The child begins to walk and gains independence in movement around the age of one year, and at about 3 years of age it has more stability and security, like an adult. His legs develop quickly, as an important part of his body’s evolution, with a role in mobility and the health of the whole body.
At the first sign of dysfunction in the lower limbs, it is important that the child be consulted by an orthopedic specialist, a surgeon, a neurologist, a physiotherapist or a podiatrist, depending on the specifics of the condition. It is preferable to prevent the appearance of foot pathology or complications, through regular specialist consultation.
What conditions can occur in the legs
Children may complain of pain or discomfort in the fingers, calf, ankle, knee, with a stiff, tiptoeing, delayed or defective gait, may have crooked or X-shaped, O-shaped, unilateral curves, etc. They are signs of common physiological or pathological conditions, such as: ingrown nails, fungi, dislocations, varus equine (crooked leg), platfus (flat foot), genu valgum (X-shaped knees), genu varum (O-shaped knees), his disease Blount, etc.
Here are 4 reasons why it is necessary to visit a specialist regularly for the prevention of pediatric foot conditions:
- The foot is a complex system that requires prophylaxis, special care
Bones, muscles, cartilages, tendons, ligaments, integuments, nails, all need care, since childhood. Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders at this level are possible only through specialist consultation.
- The health, balance and mobility of the entire body depend on the condition of the feet.
The child needs movement to explore the world around him. Any gait deviation or leg dysfunction prevents him from leading a harmonious life, beneficial to his psycho-motor development.
- Disturbances in the lower limbs can be signs of a complex pathology.
For example, children with conditions such as leukemia complain of severe leg pain. Children with congenital neuromotor diseases have delayed walking or cannot walk at all. The right intervention at the right time is very helpful.
- Healthy foot position and correct walking in adult life start in childhood.
Children can adopt static or wrong walking positions, with damage to the lower limbs. Orthopedic or podiatric control is a way of educating for a healthy gait and posture, increasing the quality of life.
Treatment options
Many foot conditions in children heal spontaneously as they get older. For example, tiptoeing disappears around 2 years of age, flat feet and X-toes appear in children up to 4 years of age. Others are solved by the use of suitable footwear, through a specific therapeutic approach, from physical therapy, to heels, casts, and in severe situations, even through surgical interventions.
Advice, diagnosis and choice of therapeutic strategy belong only to the specialist. If the condition is ignored or treated from other people’s experience, the health of the child’s feet can suffer in the long term, requiring a more invasive and expensive treatment plan. Many times, a preventive specialist consultation saves the health of the child’s feet.
If necessary or prophylactically, call the specialists of the Julia Clinic, for a good evolution of the health of your child’s feet!