All parents have the same concerns during different stages of their childs development:
- Should they be walking by now?
- Are they different to their friends?
- Are they progressing the same way as the other kids in their class?
- Are they moving abnormally?
- Am I just over reacting?
We don’t know if what we see warrants a check up with a GP, Paediatrician or allied health professional. And the truth is it depends!
It depends on lots of factors, from genetics to environment to experience, even birth order! So here are just a few aspects of normal postural variations that are common amongst growing kids.
Bow legs: ages 0-2 approx.
When we first start to walk, our knees are naturally mildly bowed, meaning the knees are further apart than the hips. This tends to right itself as we walk more and as out walking technique improves.
Knee knock: Peaks at 2.5-3 years old – can be present up to 8 years old
Our children’s knees then often slowly move from bow legged, are straight for a short period, then move to being closer together. Again as they walk more, and grow and develop , they begin to straighten up again which becomes more permanent.
When is it worth seeking professional opinion?
It is worth while visiting a health care professional if the knee variation is excessive, if one side is significantly more severe, or if these postures persist.
Intoeing: 0-8 years old
When first born – we have been cramped up in a small space for a long time and it may mean that our joints are in unusual positions. Intoeing – often caused by internal rotation of your thigh bone, tends to slowly improve until around the 8 year mark.
When is it worth seeking professional opinion?
- Significantly one sided
- excessive tripping (more than a couple per day)
- Not improving over time
Flat feet
Naturally, our arches don’t develop fully until we are 6 years old. When first learning to walk, a child’s foot is soft and pliable, slowly; the foot stiffens and start to develop arches and a more adult foot shape.
When is it worth seeking professional opinion?
- Ridgid foot (not soft and moveable)
- Pain
- Significantly one sided
The advice given in this blog is general only and does not over rule health professional assessment
If you are concerned about your child’s development, book them in for a Free Initial Assessment.
Nick Callanan - Physiotherapist (BA. Physiotherapy (Hons), Paediatric Level 1.)
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