Children’s physiology is vastly different from that of adults. That’s because babies, children and teens are growing and developing. In our orthopedic practice, we see children who are experiencing pain, difficulties with ambulation and bone and joint deformities. Here are just a few of the more common growth-related orthopedic issues in kids and what can be done to solve them.
Orthopedic Symptoms You Should Get Checked Out
As a parent, you know your child better than anyone else. You may notice when something in your child’s movement or activity level seems off even when he or she cannot express what is wrong.
What musculoskeletal signs and symptoms are normal, and which should you have assessed by your pediatric orthopedic specialist? Here are some warning signs which warrant an appointment with a pediatric orthopedist:
- Pain, particularly if it disturbs a child’s sleep, or if it is one-sided or comes and goes
- A noticeable drop in your child’s activity level (problems with running and walking)
- A fever and/or rash which accompanies pain
- Persistent swelling, redness, or tenderness in a muscle or joint
- Toeing in
- Differences in limb length
- Outward rotation of one leg
- Bowed legs
Examples of Orthopedic Issues in Children
Toeing-in
This refers to when your child’s feet turn inward while walking. If your child has this condition, it will likely show up early on in their life. It may resolve itself or need bracing to redirect it. Sometimes, a surgical option proves best.
The serious forms of toeing-in originate in a deformity of the foot called metatarsus adductus, which is a rotation of the shin bone toward the midline of the body or even in a twisted orientation of the thigh bone. When toeing-in persists beyond age 8, a physical examination and digital imaging of the affected limb are critical to understanding what treatment may be necessary to resolve the deformity and related gait issues. Casting or customized bracing are the usual care options.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a loosening or even complete dislocation of the thigh bone, or femur from the hip socket and may be obvious at birth. The hip may not be mobile in the same way as the unaffected side is, and if undetected, gait problems may become noticeable as walking ensues at toddlerhood.
Your orthopedic specialist may recommend hip reduction surgery for a severe problem in a child 10 months or older. Younger babies and those with less serious hip dysplasia may do well with a special brace or even a full body case.
Bowed Legs
Medically termed genu varum, this congenital orthopedic condition occurs in children two and under, or in very overweight young children. This condition is characterized by widely separated knees while the feet and ankle stay close together when the child stands.
Many little ones outgrow the problem; however, if bowed legs make it harder to walk or joint pain develops, parents should pursue an orthopedic evaluation. Blount’s disease is a defect in the growth plate of the long bones and is a common cause of bowed legs. Also, deficiencies in key vitamins can actually soften the bones, causing rickets and a bending of the long bones.
Splints, orthopedic shoes or inserts (orthotics) or even implant surgery are reliable treatment options to redirect young bone growth to a straighter and stronger orientation. Many kids outgrow genu varum by age three.
Orthopedics in Lauderdale Lakes and Pembroke Pines, Florida
At Total Orthopaedic Care, our team of six board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic specialists work with children, teens, adults and seniors, following and treating the most complex of orthopedic conditions. If you or your child’s pediatrician are concerned about developing musculoskeletal symptoms in your child, please contact us for a one-on-one consultation with one of our physicians.
We will get to the root of the orthopedic issue and outline a treatment plan to give your child the best possible therapeutic outcomes. Call us at (954) 735-3535 or request your visit here. We deliver superior orthopedic assessments and care with compassionate and child-centered skill.
