Leg Problems in Children That Parents Should Not Worry About
Believe it or not, orthopedic problems in babies are really common. Most babies suffer through them during the early stages of their lives. The good news is that even though these might seem really scary for parents, most of the time, if not all, these issues go away by themselves and the baby grows up to lead a healthy life.
Bright Side has identified 5 of these problems in kids that often disappear by themselves and are not really dangerous.
1. Bowlegs
The most common, and the one which freaks out parents to the core — are bowlegs. In this condition, the child’s legs appear to be bent with an outward curve, leaving a gap between the thighs. Other than giving the legs a curve, bow legs are pretty much harmless. They don’t hurt and do not affect your baby’s walking or crawling capacities.
2. Flat Feet
Babies are normally born with flat feet and as they grow up, they start to develop an arch. The condition is not painful or harmful and goes away automatically when kids’ bones and muscles start to develop and get more flexible.
3. Knock Knees
Another common leg problem children suffer from is knock knees. In this, the baby’s legs are curved inward, leaving a gap between their ankles while their knees are touching. The condition goes away with time, usually when the child reaches 7-8 years of age. However, if it doesn’t correct by then, then it could be a sign of an underlying disease.
4. Pigeon Toes
Being pigeon-toed, or having inward facing feet, is a condition in which the child’s feet are twisted inward. It usually fades away with time and the child starts walking normally. However, the change is usually slow, as the child might take their time when breaking the habit. If the problem doesn’t seem to resolve itself, it is recommended to consult with a doctor.
5. Out-toeing
This is the opposite of the one we discussed above and, in this condition, the child’s legs are curved out, making their steps wider when they walk. This problem also corrects itself and mostly goes away with age. It is not painful but some children might experience discomfort in their knees or hips.
When to see a doctor?
Even though all these conditions are common and known to resolve by themselves, it is still a good idea to go consult a doctor when you observe these signs. Not everybody is the same and a curved bone structure could also indicate something actually serious. The chances are very rare, but it is always better to be 100% sure!
Do you know about any other health conditions that fade away with time? Expand our list in the comments below and share your experience with us!