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Is My Child’s Walk Normal? Understanding Flat Feet and Knock Knees
January 9, 2026As parents, we watch our children’s first steps with joy, but sometimes, that joy turns into worry. You might notice your child’s feet look flat against the floor, or perhaps their knees seem to touch when they stand.
Are these signs of a serious problem? Or are they just part of growing up?
At GMC Ortho Hospital in East Nadakkave, we frequently see worried parents asking these exact questions. The good news is that many of these "deformities" are actually a normal part of childhood development. However, knowing when to wait and when to see a child bone specialist in Calicut is key to your child's long-term health.
Understanding Flat Feet (Pes Planus)
Flat feet occur when the arch on the inside of the foot is flattened, allowing the entire sole to touch the floor when standing.
Is it Normal? Yes, in most cases. Babies are born with flat feet because their arches haven’t developed yet, and they have a fat pad that hides the arch. This is called "flexible flat foot." You will notice that an arch appears when they stand on their tiptoes or sit with their legs hanging.
When to Seek Help: Most children develop arches by age 6. You should consult our pediatric orthopedics team if:
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The flat foot is "rigid" (stiff and doesn’t create an arch when on tiptoes).
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Your child complains of foot or calf pain.
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Only one foot is flat (asymmetry).
Understanding Knock Knees (Genu Valgum)
Knock knees are a condition where the knees touch, but the ankles remain apart when standing. This creates an inward angle of the legs.
Is it Normal? Childhood leg development follows a predictable pattern:
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0–2 Years: Bow Legs (knees stay apart) are common.
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3–5 Years: Knock Knees often develop as the child balances their weight.
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7–8 Years: The legs usually straighten out on their own.
When to Seek Help: While most kids outgrow this phase, knock knees treatment may be required if:
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The gap between the ankles is excessive (more than 8cm).
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The condition persists beyond age 7 or 8.
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One leg is more severely affected than the other.
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The child has difficulty running or complains of knee pain.
Treatment Options at GMC Ortho Hospital
If you notice any of the "Red Flags" mentioned above, it is time to visit a specialist. At GMC Ortho Hospital, we focus on accurate diagnosis to avoid unnecessary treatments.
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Observation: For many children, we simply monitor their growth every 6 months to ensure the legs are straightening naturally.
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Orthotics & Shoes: For painful flat feet, specialized shoe inserts can provide arch support and relief.
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Guided Growth (Hemiepiphysiodesis): In rare cases where knock knees are severe, we use a minimally invasive procedure to gently guide the bone into straight growth as the child gets taller.
The Bottom Line
Watching your child grow involves a lot of changes. While flat feet and knock knees are often just a phase, peace of mind comes from knowing for sure.
If you are concerned about your child’s gait or leg shape, don't rely on guesswork. Schedule a consultation with the best child bone specialist in Calicut at GMC Ortho Hospital. We are here to ensure your child walks tall and pain-free.
Ready to check your child’s bone health? Book an appointment today with our Pediatric Orthopedic Department. Call us at: 9633789014 Visit us: East Nadakkave, Kozhikode, Kerala.