Assessing Children's Legs and Feet

Shoes are necessary for protection and warmth. Normal children do not require shoes for support. There is no scientific evidence that shoes-'orthopedic' or otherwise-influence or alter the growth or shape of the normal child's foot except, perhaps, adversely if they fit poorly. Family physicians must understand common variations of normal foot and leg development if they are to effectively advise and reassure parents about appropriate footwear. Flat feet, knock knees, bow legs, in-toeing, and out-toeing in otherwise normal children can easily be distinguished from similar but more serious deformities associated with disease or congenital anomaly.