Some common childhood orthopedic conditions

As your child grows old, there are certain orthopedic conditions which might arise. These may not be normal developments and would require consultation with orthopedic surgeons on this. So here are some very common conditions which several children face while growing up:

1. Flatfeet

Babies are usually born with flatfeet and gradually develop arches when they grow. But in some cases the kids do not develop arches due to which the ankles appear to turn inward. Though parents feel that flatfeet makes their kid looks clumsier, doctors are of the view that flatfeet does not cause any problem neither does it interfere with playing sports. Treatment is recommended only when the feet causes pain to the child. In some rare cases, doctors recommend the insertion of arch supports in the child's shoes to reduce foot pain.

2. Toe Walking

This is one common thing among all toddlers, when they start walking. This is one tendency which often goes away, except in case of some kids. Continous toe walking is usually linked to muscle weakness disorders, autism, cerebral palsy or other nervous system problems. There are cases where inspite of being healthy, the child toe walks. In such cases, the physio therapy is recommended. After the child is of 4-5 years old, the foot and the ankle is casted for around 6 weeks to stretch the calf muscles.

3. Knock-Knees

Genu valgum or knock knees is commonly seen among kids in the age group of 3 and 6 years as the body goes through a natural aligment shift. In most of the cases treatment is not required at all as the legs usually straightened on their own. Even devices like splints, shoe inserts and braces are not useful in this situation. In rare occasions wherein the child has pain and/ or difficulty in running surgery is recommended after the age of 10.

4. Bowlegs

Genu varum or bowleggedness is an outward bending of the legs from the knees down. It is inherited at birth and is quite common in infants but gets corrected on its own one's the child grows. In cases wherein the bowlegs affects one leg it can be a sign of larger problem like blount disease or rickets. Rickets is a very less common today. It is a bone growth which is the result of lack of vitamin D in the body. Thus this condition can be corrected by adding vitamin D and calcium to the child's diet.

Blount disease on the other hand is a condition wherein the tibia bone in the lower leg is effected. This can be corrected by using braces or opting for surgery when the child is between 3-4 years of age.

For more information on child orthopedic condition, you can visit www.psrihospital.com or make a call on +91 11 30611700.

PSRI hospital has the best pediatric orthopedics in India