The Truth About Walking Problems In Children

Babies love to move, and soon learn to respond to music by bouncing, waving their arms, and smiling from ear-to-ear. Actually, that’s pretty close to describing what teens and adults often do on the dance floor as well! Why not do it together at Music Together classes in Evergreen? They focus on helping children learn to sing and dance in a natural way. As your baby grows and starts to find their feet, you may notice what appear to be walking problems. Get them checked out, by all means, but don’t worry too much that they will keep your child from dancing his or her whole life long.

Gait problems are fairly common in childhood, but they usually resolve on their own without too much interference. Examples are intoeing, out-toeing, toe walking, or limping. Intoeing is usually caused by bones that are rotated out of proper position—probably from their position in the womb or from inherited characteristics. As your baby grows, the twisted bones often gradually straighten out. You mainly need to have the patience to let nature take its course.

Like many other things in life, learning to walk takes practice. From your baby’s first tottering steps to the fluid gait that allows them to run, play, or dance, the process is slow and deliberate. With camera phones so prevalent, it may be helpful to film your child walking from time to time, so you can see the improvement that may not be visible from day to day.

In some cases, the bones may not rotate to a normal position, and children may take their pigeon toes with them into adulthood. However, they don’t necessarily cause a problem, and most people are able to run and play sports as well as anyone else. Severe, potentially debilitating cases can often be identified in infancy or early childhood. Braces or casting may be prescribed, followed by surgery in only the most severe of cases.

Call Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center in Wheat Ridge, Golden, Evergreen, or Granby, CO at (303) 423-2520 to have us examine your child and check for any unusual walking problems that may need treatment. You can also schedule an appointment online.

Author
Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center

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