A Guide for Parents to Spot and Address Pediatric Orthopedic Concerns
As a parent, nothing can bring us more joy and happiness than watching our children run, play and grow up strong and healthy. Their first steps are pure joy, but then you notice they seem to move strangely. Perhaps they limp from time to time, struggle to run or complain constantly of pain in their legs. Although it’s common for kids to have occasional aches as they grow, others can be signs of a possible orthopedic condition that requires medical care.
BSOH, Bangladesh Spine & Orthopedic Hospital, takes special care of your Kids with our Pediatric Orthopedics. Spotting orthopedic issues at a young age helps prevent long-term complications and aids your child’s healthy growth and development.
In this blog, we will explore some early indicators that you can look out for at home when it comes to orthopedic/ musculo-skeletal concerns, when to seek medical help, and how the experienced team at BSOH can help ensure the mobility and well-being of your child.
The Importance of Early Detection of Orthopedic Problems
As children’s bones and joints are still growing, many orthopedic issues can be fixed with early intervention. But without treatment, small issues can develop into chronic illnesses that can have a real impact on mobility, posture and quality of life.
Some of the common orthopedic problems in children are below:
✔ Feet that are flat or not properly aligned legs
✔ Lameness or trouble walking
✔ Uneven limb lengths
✔ Bone fractures or joint pain as indicators of frequent breaks
✔ Delayed motor development
Recognizing these indications early can help parents take action before the disease develops.
Frequently Encountered Musculoskeletal Conditions in Kids & Early Indications
1. Additional Conditions Related to Flat Feet and Foot Deformities
Most babies are born with flat feet, but the arches should start developing by around age 5 or 6. “Complete flat feet in young children are typically just part of normal development, but when they persist, they can cause pain, particularly when walking or wearing shoes.
🔹 Signs to Watch For:
- Feet that are flat even when standing on tiptoes.
- Foot or leg pain complaints after walking.
- Finally, uneven shoe wear (so one side wears much faster).
🔹 What to Do:
If flat feet are painful or disrupt walking, a BSOH specialist can determine if treatment, like custom orthotics or physical therapy, is required.
2. Knock Knees & Bowlegs
Toddlers commonly have bowlegs (knees bending outward); preschoolers commonly have knock knees (knees angled inward). These are generally self-correcting over time. If the condition is severe or persists past age 7, it could be a sign of something more serious.
🔹 Signs to Watch For:
- Severe bowing of the legs that doesn’t improve by the age of 3.
- Lateral laxity of the knee that persists after the age of 7.
- Forward or backward leg misalignment causes pain or difficulty walking.
🔹 What to Do:
If your child’s leg alignment does not self-correct, BSOH’s pediatric orthopedic specialists can guide the process of bracing, physical therapy, or corrective surgeries, if necessary.
3. Trouble Walking or Limping
A child who starts limping without any past injuries should be seen right away. This might signal a hip issue, an infection, or another medical condition that demands quick care.
🔹 Signs to Watch For:
- Lopsidedness that doesn’t resolve after a few days.
- Pain in the hips, knees, or feet.
- Trouble standing up or walking after sitting.
🔹 What to Do:
Early diagnosis is key! If your child is limping, or if she complains of pain often, come to BSOH for a thorough orthopedic evaluation and imaging tests to exclude immediate worries such as hip dysplasia or bone infections.
4. Uneven Limb Lengths
Some kids may have a difference in their legs, which can result in imbalances and back pain, and also make it hard for them to walk. Limb length discrepancies are common, but the more significant they are, the more likely a child will have long-term orthopedic difficulties.
🔹 Signs to Watch For:
- The pants legs are not equal, one leg has always been shorter than the other.
- The child sits with poor posture or with a tilt.
- Complaints of hip, knee, or back pain/discomfort.
🔹 What to Do:
A BSOH pediatric orthopedic specialist can assess whether the condition should be followed, treated with physical therapy, or corrected surgically.
5. Persistent Joint or Bone Pain
Children do complain of “growing pains,” but persistent joint or bone pain might indicate juvenile arthritis, bone infections or vitamin deficiencies (rickets, for example).
🔹 Signs to Watch For:
- Pain that gets worse at night or after activity.
- Swelling or redness around the joints.
- Stiffness in the morning.
🔹 What to Do:
If your child frequently complains of joint pain, it’s a good idea to seek out BSOH pediatric specialists to receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
When Should Parents Seek Medical Attention?
Though there are normal aches and pains, you want to see an orthopedic specialist if:
🚨 Red Flags:
✔ Your child is in chronic, unexplained pain.
✔ There are obvious abnormalities in the legs, feet or back.
✔ Your child has difficulty walking, standing or moving properly.
✖ Symptoms are interfering with their daily lives and sport performance.
BSOH uses modern diagnostic tools (X-rays, MRIs, and physical evaluations) to appropriately diagnose and treat pediatric orthopaedic conditions.
How BSOH Can Help Your Child
Orthopedic disorders in children: A surgeon’s perspective at Bangladesh Spine & Orthopedic Hospital (BSOH) At Penn Medicine, our expert pediatric orthopedic specialists are committed to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders in children.
✔ Reduce Time to Diagnosis & Expert Assessment
✔ Personalized Treatment Plans (Physiotherapy, Bracing, and Surgery as Required)
✔ Cutting-Edge Imaging & Diagnostic Facilities
✔ Rehabilitation & Recovery Programs for Children
Final Thoughts
Timely diagnosis of orthopedic problems can tremendously affect your child’s long-term mobility and health.
We, at BSOH, are committed to helping your child live a pain-free, active life. Most importantly, move fast and arrange an orthopedic consultation with BSOH today to guarantee long-term well-being and musculoskeletal condition of your child.
💙 Happy Kids Have Healthy Joints! 😊
📍Location: 10, Kallyanpur Main Road, Dhaka 1207
📞 Call Us: +88028091603-06, +8801977063412
📧 Email Us:bsoh.dhaka@gmail.com
🖊️ About the Author
Written by Benzir Ahmed — Content Manager & SEO Writer (Spine & Orthopaedics, BSOH) with content support from the BSOH clinical team. He specializes in transforming complex spine and orthopaedic topics into clear, patient-friendly guides that help readers make informed health decisions.
⚠️ BSOH Disclaimer
The information shared in this blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek advice from a qualified doctor or healthcare provider at BSOH before making any healthcare decisions. While we aim to ensure accuracy, medical guidelines and practices may evolve over time.