Benjamin Weintraub, MD, 2016. "Foot and Leg Problems (Chapter 154)", American Academy of Pediatrics Textbook of Pediatric Care, Thomas K. McInerny, MD, FAAP, Henry M. Adam, MD, FAAP, Deborah E. Campbell, MD, FAAP, Thomas G. DeWitt, MD, FAAP, Jane Meschan Foy, MD, FAAP, Deepak M. Kamat, MD, PhD, FAAP, Rebecca Baum, MD, FAAP, Kelly J. Kelleher, MD, MPH, FAAP
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Parents frequently come to the physician with concerns about their children’s feet and legs, such as “my son is pigeon-toed,” or “my daughter is knock-kneed.” In most cases, these findings are purely normal developmental stages seen in the growth of the lower extremities. For example, it is entirely normal for a toddler just starting to walk to be “bowlegged” or “pigeon-toed,” or for a 3-year-old to have “knock-knees.” However, it may be pathologic for a 10-year-old to have significant genu valgus (knock-knees) or a 5-year-old to have severe genu varum (bowed legs). The physician, then, needs to understand the normal...