Children develop at different rates. As a guide, children will start to crawl from about 9 months old and walk from about 11 months old. Between 10-18 months old, many children will be taking their first steps. At this time they will often appear to have bow legs, with feet spread wide apart and a characteristic wobble when they walk. You should always let your child develop walking skills and confidence at their own pace.
However, when a child feels pain while walking or running and doesn't go away after resting or a few days, we worry. We worry about our children's teeth, eyes, and other parts of the body. We teach washing, brushing, and grooming, but what do we do about our child's feet--those still-developing feet which have to carry the entire weight of the body through a lifetime?
It is never normal for children to have pain in their feet or legs. Growing pains are not a part of normal development. They are often the result of poor foot structure such as flat feet, or poor joint alignment.
If you are concerned about your children's foot health, we, at Pioneer Podiatry are here to help. We can diagnose and help in giving advice and treatment that suits their age and condition to prevent long term defects or injuries.
