Are You Concerned About The Way Your Child Walks Or Runs?

It can be hard to know what is simply them not paying attention to what they are doing, or what's something else that you should take more serious. If you have a young child and you are noticing strange things about the way they walk or run sometimes, then you should pay closer attention and consider getting them in to see the doctor if you feel you have any reasons for concern. This article will give you some information on what can be normal and what can be cause for concern.

You notice your child trip when they run

If you have noticed on more than one occasion that your child tends to trip themselves when they are running, then you should start paying closer attention. First, are they wearing flip-flop–style shoes? If so, then this may be the reason. Also, are they looking behind them when they are running, instead of straight ahead like they should be? Are they running on a surface that has a lot of holes and uneven areas to it? If any of these are true, then you may not have anything to worry about.

If you notice your child still trips even when looking straight ahead, on solid ground, and while wearing the proper shoes, then you want to pay very close attention to the way they walk and to their feet. Look to see if their feet seem to curve inward near the toes. Also, watch them walk and see if it looks like their feet turn inward at the tips. If you notice these things, then you want to make an appointment to take your child to their pediatrician to see about getting in with an orthopedic doctor. There are some different types of conditions that can affect a child's bones and cause them to walk and run differently.

Catching problems early is best

It can always be scary to take your child in when you feel there is a problem with anything regarding their development. However, many problems can be treated easily, and the condition may not even be one that ends up following them into adulthood. One course of treatment for some conditions can simply be having your child wear plastic appliances in their shoes that help to curve the bones of their feet correctly. Another course of treatment for some conditions is to have your child wear a brace at night that has a shoe on each end that curves outward. Sometimes treatment may include having a child wear casts on their feet for a couple of months. No matter what treatment is needed, if any at all, it's always best to get it started as early as possible.

Contact an orthopedic doctor at a medical facility like Progress West Hospital for more information.