Toeing-Out

Definition: The problem is often an over-rotation in the hip or leg.

Bow Legs

Definition: Bow legs are normal at birth but should disappear by the time the child reaches two. If it does not disappear by the age of two then it may be permanent.

Knock-Knees

Definition: Knock-knees are normal in children aged from two to seven years. Some children may become knock kneed again around puberty. If the problem has persisted from the age of seven, it may be permanent. Like bow legs this leg position may cause the foot to roll or may place strain on the knee joint.

Flexible Joint

Definition: This is also called hypermobility, ligament laxity or low tone. There are several simple tests for this problem;

- Thumb to wrist
- Elbows extending past a straight line.
- Knees extending past a straight line.
- Finger extending past a straight line.

When testing at home care is needed, as most very young children will be flexible enough to show a positive result from these tests but be quite normal. If you are unsure of the result you should have your child examined by a podiatrist.