Question
Hello doctor; my niece is already 1 year and 5 months old, but ever since she learned to walk, she’s always walked with an inward gait. Especially for girls, their feet bend inward while walking. It’s just ugly. How can I correct this? (She often uses diapers because she often pees and poops on herself, so she uses diapers day and night). I hope everyone can share some better experience methods!
Answer
Hello: The “O-shaped leg” during childhood is quite a lot due to the sequelae of rickets after this period, which is caused by calcium deficiency and is also known as “osteomalacia”. These children with rickets start to walk when their lower limbs bear the weight, and the softened bones will gradually deform under the force, forming an “O-shaped leg”…. Be cautious of bow legs when children start walking early. Other diseases such as congenital talipes equinovarus, hypophosphatemic antiresorptive rickets, etc., can also cause some children to have an “O-shaped leg”. a) If the baby has a mild “O-shaped leg”, parents don’t need to worry too much! As the baby grows up or reaches a certain age, this condition will basically improve. b) Pay attention to it in daily life, and don’t let the little one develop a habit of kneeling with both lower limbs. c) Encourage the baby to engage in more outdoor activities or exercise to increase the strength of the lower limb muscles and improve calcium absorption.