She walks like a duck
While visiting the pediatrician, Alice is surprised at the a bit special approach of his little Léa. Fortunately, the doctor quickly reassured her. All infants have an anatomical feature called “Genu varum” : their lower limbs are slightly curved and their feet outward. It is physiological and transient. In some, it fades in the first year, with others it takes a little longer for everything to get back on track. In question ? From extremely flexible ligaments at the knees and ankles, and the musculature of the feet not yet mature enough to hold them in line with the tibia. ” Generally, everything will be back to normal one year after acquiring walking, ”reassures Émeline Calvet, psychomotor therapist. “Only very pronounced deformities and / or significant discomfort when walking, frequent falls, should prompt to seek medical advice. »The rest of the time, the best management is not to focus on his approach and to let time take its course. Growth will naturally solve the problem.
Nothing beats physical activity
Do you want to give nature a little helping hand? Do not refrain your child’s taste for the tricycle, it is excellent for muscle your legs. Nor for walking, although little ones with bow legs may tend to trip more frequently than average. Physical activity is an excellent remedy. And there is no question of constantly taking him back by asking him to monitor the position of his feet. Better for example encourage him to walk on an imaginary line for fun. Without even realizing it, your little one will correct the position of his feet. Be careful despite everything the way he sits. On the floor, encourage him to cross-legged, setting an example if you play alongside him. When he’s in a chair, don’t let his feet hang loose. Have them lay them flat, on a booster for example.
Firm support shoes
Another good habit: at home, let it evolve barefoot. There is nothing like it to strengthen your feet. “Walking on different textures such as sand or grass is also a very good exercise,” adds Émeline Calvet. Outside, choose carefully his shoes. In supple leather, neither too wide nor too narrow, they must have a stiff enough buttress up to the heel to avoid twisting, and a flexible but slightly rising upper to properly support the ankle. Prefer models with laces, they ensure a better support, and remember to change them every 3 months. Above all, never make him wear used models, as pretty and “trendy” they are.
Aurelia Dubuc