I have noticed that my almost five year old sons legs and/or feet don't look quite right when he walks. Not enough probably for anybody else to really pay attention except good old Mom, but along with this I have noticed that he wears the soles of his shoes out quickly and always on the inset side of both feet. Do you think it is something I should bring him to the Dr. for, or wait to see if he will grow out of it? Anybody who has had a child with "minor" problems like this I would love to hear your feedback. If it's something that needs to be corrected by the Dr. somehow I guess I would like to know to get started. Thanks!!
Talk to the Shriner Hospitals or a local Shriner temple and they might be able to help with this. If they can help there is no cost to you or your insurance company.
My daughter, now 29, was diagnosed with tight heel tendons as a small child. I could see her heels pull down inside when she walked and took her to an orthopedic specialist. At that time the doctor said it was not a common thing, but should not cause problems in the future. However, now she has knee problems which her current doctor says is from the tight heel tendons. She has had surgery on one knee to date.
My daughter came to visit last week and mentioned that it looked like her 9 year old sister has the same problem. I had not noticed this before. She has a doctor appointment in a week and I will ask the doctor about it as I do not want her to have the same problems that her older sister has.
I would definitely see a doctor and find out if there is an issue with your son's legs/feet and take steps to remedy the problem if possible.
start with primary doctor...they may do x-rays, meaurements etc...it may beyond their scope and hopefully they can refer you to an orthopedic specialist...the fact that his shoes wear unevenly is a pretty good sign there may be something wrong with his gait. if he is normal in every way, I bet it is easily correctable.
I've always walked like this, and now at 28 I'm having terrible problems. My feet, legs, everything is excruciating by the end of the day. I struggle with severe plantar fasciitis and shin splints. I'm getting help for it, but it's really hard to undue decades of walking like this. Definitely, see your Dr. about it!! The younger the problem in fixed, the better for your son! A minor problem can turn into a major one!! Great job on noticing these little things, by the way!
My sister-in-law said she had issues when younger (born with a club foot that was corrected shortly after birth). She said her parents took her to get specail shoe inserts for her because she had flat feet and walk "differently."
I would bring it up the doctor, can't hurt. Maybe even go somewhere to get his arches measured to see if maybe shoe insterts will help correcting how he walks/wore out shoes.
I would talk to your pediatrician about it and ask that he give you a referral to have him evaluated by an orthopedist or perhaps an occupational therapist. I don't know for sure but I'm thinking that his gait probably won't self-correct without a little physical therapy or occupational therapy to help him adjust it. Hope this helps.
I would take him to a podiatrist. Sounds like mine - pronated feet and he might need orthotics. Check with your insurance if you need a referral from your pediatrician.
