Parents are often concerned when they notice their child running clumsily, having “pigeon toe” (also known as toe), or repeatedly twisting their ankles. If your son trips or falls more often than seems normal, he may notice that he turns his ankles inward (also known as excessive pronation) or that her foot may have a “hooked appearance.” There are three conditions that can cause these problems, and depending on your child’s condition and age, they may require intervention to correct. The good news is that serious interventions such as leg braces or surgery are not usually necessary in these cases.

1. Tibial twist – This is a fairly common condition where the tibia or “shin bone” has not rotated into the position it will be in during adulthood. Tibial torsion is considered normal up to 7 years of age. However, excessive convergence between 2 and 7 years warrants consultation with a physician. Your child may over-pronate by bearing weight on the big toe side much more than the little toe side.

What your chiropractor can do – Your chiropractor can adjust subluxed (misaligned) joints in your legs and show you how to stretch the proper muscles while strengthening others. Your chiropractor can also fit your child with custom orthopedic shoes to help correct excessive pronation.

What you can do – Buy shoes with flexible soles and good arch support, such as athletic shoes. Also, getting your child involved in sports or activities that emphasize running, such as soccer, will help strengthen the leg muscles and provide good muscle length.

2. Femoral twist – This is similar to tibial torsion except in this case the femur or “thigh bone” is the one that is out of position. This is another common condition that usually resolves on its own by 8 years of age. Once again, excessive pronation can be seen, as well as bowing of the knees and excessive curvature in the lower back.

What your chiropractor can do – Chiropractic treatment will be similar to tibial torsion, adjustments/stretching/strengthening only focusing on the hip instead of the knee and lower leg.

What you can do – Again, good shoes are in order. Sports in this case should include those that exercise the hips such as cycling, ballet or gymnastics. Also, encouraging your child to sit cross-legged will stretch the muscles that hold the leg in a pointed-in position.

3. Metatarsus adductus – This one is a little different than the other two in that it involves the feet instead of the legs. In this case, the convergence occurs in the foot itself. This condition is normal up to one year of age and is a common problem in school-age children.

What your chiropractor can do – The adjustment will focus on the bones of the feet and braces may be used if the problem persists beyond 7 years of age.

What you can do – Gently stretching your child’s foot toward the little toe several times a day will help loosen tight tissues.

In all cases, it’s important to make sure your children’s shoes fit snugly, with plenty of room and no stress points. Also, having your child walk barefoot more often encourages better motor control and position sense.

A note about chiropractic adjustments: Many doctors, including those at Fletcher Hills Chiropractic, use low-force techniques, like the Activator technique, that are much gentler and less intimidating for children. Ask your Chiropractor what techniques he uses.

This article from a San Diego chiropractor is a review of an article in the March 12 issue of Dynamic Chiropractor by Dr. Mark Charrette. Read the full article here Dynamic Chiropractor