Developmental problems are much less common than the minor ailments and in many cases resolve themselves. However, they may also need treatment. So if you suspect a developmental problem with your toddler's feet, talk to your child's podiatrist or chiropodist.
Here are some of the more common developmental foot conditions:
Flat feetis normal in toddlers. This is partly due to posture, and partly because they have more fat than adult feet. By the time your child's five, his/her arches should naturally be more developed.
In-toeing and out-toeingare when toddlers walk with their feet turning inwards ("pigeon-toed") or outwards. Chances are it will correct itself as your toddler becomes more confident on their feet. In most cases, in-toeing and out-toeing get better on their own by the age of eight or nine.
Toe walkingis when a child walks on her toes, without putting much weight on her heels. It's normal in young toddlers, but shouldn't usually persist after s/he is three years old. If it does, check with a pediatric foot specialist.
Talipes (club foot)is a congenital condition where one or both feet bend inwards and downwards. It affects about one in 1,000 babies born in the US/UK combined. Experts are unsure of the cause, but it's thought that genetic factors can play a part, as it sometimes runs in families.Treatment for club foot begins soon after birth and usually involves physiotherapy to manipulate the foot gently back into shape.
