My 13 yr old daughter has very thick legs from thigh to ankle and consequently her ankles are very thick. She tends to walk with her heels lopsided (inwards). After some physical exercise at school a few weeks ago she has hurt her knee, it is very painful at the back of her knee. She also seems to be flat footed. I am worried about her, she is in a lot of pain and can hardly put weight on her left leg due to pain in the knee. She wears very flat pumps to school which I feel doesnt help at all, but its all the fashion. She is tall for her age and is not particularly overweight. Am taking her to the doctor tomorrow, any help would be appreciated, thank you. I so feel for her. She will not wear skirts and it is knocking her confidence terribly.
2007-10-31 13:08:35 · 15 answers · asked by alipaul2 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
The obvious questions are is there a developmental issue a structural issue and what is the underlying cause.
She needs to have her feet examined for pes planus (flat feet) and pronation problems, this would then lead to other issues, or does she have other issues which have caused her to pull the arches flat.
You have said her legs seem thick...but do they seem short for her height.
When she is seen I would recommend a gait analysis, foot exam, leg length measurements, and x-ray studies, and a general physical examination which also checks spinal development and blood chemistries possible hormonal levels.
All this would of course be driven by the examination, but as she is still under 16 I would probably still have her seen by a developmental pediatrician or orthopaedist to be sure what is going on.
If her weight is otherwise normal her legs should not be unusually thick.
Puberty can often cause the presentation of developmental issues not previously noted because of the more rapid growth in the pubescent girl.
See the doctors and if not satisfied, push for further referrals.
2007-11-01 21:53:46 · answer #1 · answered by US_DR_JD 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Work from the ground up. Flat feet are very inefficient as the arches help recycle energy and keep normal alignment of the leg. Flat feet will cause excessive strain on her knees, hips and low back.
My first reaction would be to fit her for insoles, they will fit inside normal shoes and therefore there should be no fashion problems!
Because she is still growing it is important she sees a Paediatric Podiatrist, there will be a NHS one in your area, as she will need follow up at 6 months and 1 year to allow for growth changes.
In my experience once using the insoles her symptoms will settle in 2 to 4 weeks.
2007-11-01 01:13:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Take your daughter to her scheduled Doctor appointment. If she will be seeing a general practicer of medicine they will probably only be able to treat symptomology ( pain, swelling, provide a bracing/order crutches). They may even perform a X-Ray in their office for dimminuitive purposes-just to allay theirs and your own fears of anything being broken.
An Orthopedic Specialist Doctor must be consulted concerning her walk (gait), posturing, as well as any structual abnormalities that are present, and treat them accordingly- not generally. Appropriate diagnosis, and pathology must be found and the determined problem must be addressed.
Otherwise your daughter stands to face ( seriously, oops no pun) some serious problems down the road, neurologically, orthopedically....psychologically-as youve already noted her self esteem has suffered. So follow up ASAP with your physician tomorroow. And if not a specialist- take her to an Orthopedic Specialist Physician-for yours as well as her sake and sanity and health, now, and, in the future.
2007-10-31 13:24:13 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Definitely consult a doctor...make sure she's wearing good shoes....maybe she shouldn't wear high heels too much and don't let her wear flats (as cute as they are) they don't have good arch support which will affect her foot. Trust me...I know those shoes are so adorable but I will regret it when I'm older (I'm 18). Best of luck.
2007-10-31 13:11:16 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It could be lack of potassium, i would also try increasing your water intake to improve your circulation. Many times when people get achy it is from dehydration. if neither helps and it gets worse, i'd go to a doctor.
2016-04-11 06:31:18 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definatly a doctor & I would sugest a podaitrist ( food doctor)
if she gets inner soles it will help with the developement of the foot as she still has growing to do.
2007-10-31 13:12:49 · answer #6 · answered by cold_as_ic 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
well for starters ,cut out the school exercises until you get her checked out,and dont be fobbed off with any excuse from the doctor,even ask for a second opinion,with this problem,any over weight will make it worse,so maybe you should be looking at her diet as well
2007-10-31 13:22:27 · answer #7 · answered by josephrob2003 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think I might have something similar. I have short calves that makes my legs look thick and I over pronate because of it. Which makes me walk kind funny but not to obviously. I hope that's it because it's not serious.
2007-10-31 13:13:39 · answer #8 · answered by Neverender 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The doctor might give her a referral to have some orthotics fitted.
2007-10-31 13:12:07 · answer #9 · answered by Evieve 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I am sorry about your daughter, taking her to the doctor is the best way!
Hope she gets alright
2007-10-31 13:11:56 · answer #10 · answered by meee 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋