IN-TOEING, BOW LEGS, KNOCK KNEES, FLAT FEET, LEG-LENGTH INEQUALITY

 

Parents usually bring children to see a family physician or general practitioner for variants of normal conditions. These conditions include in-toeing, bowlegs, knock knees and flat feet. Doctors will recognize these conditions and alleviate parental anxiety by explaining the natural history of these conditions. In addition, the child will be referred for a second opinion when a pathological process is detected.

 

Doctors will follow these general principles when handling such problems:

1. Understanding the natural history of this condition and explaining it to parents.

2. Avoid over-investigation and over-treatment of such conditions.

 

HISTORY AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

Doctors will find out from the accompanying guardians about their concerns, the child’s birth and developmental history, as well as any delay in walking and other developmental milestones.

 

 

These are conditions require prompt action :

 

OSTEOMYELITIS, SEPTIC ARTHRITIS, SLIPPED UPPER FEMORAL EPIPHYSIS AND SUBTLE FRACTURE AND DISLOCATION.

 

The high index of suspicion for these cases is required to avoid the delay in treatment and subsequent disastrous consequence.