Hello Moms!
This may be a weird question, but here it goes. I have an almost 2 and a half year old that runs with very stiff legs. It's almost as if he's not really running... Just walking as fast as he can. Is this normal at this age? All of his friends have been able to normally run for a very long time. In all other areas, he's completely normal and functions at or above the level he is supposed to. Does anyone have any ideas about why this may be happening?
you have to remeber that every kid is differant and will do thing differant. How long ago did he start to walk?It could be that he just likes to run that way.I dont think that is anything to be worried about,and he should grow out of it.
Hi Lori,
This is a question for your pediatrician. It is probably nothing at all, but if there is advice to be given this is probably best answered by your doctor. My son had something called windswept feet and we had to get him onto a ride on toy very early so that he could retrain his legs. He still runs a little funny and he is thirteen yrs old. He is also 5'4" tall and only 85lbs. and trust me that boy is officially eating me out of house and home. I wouldn't worry about things like this most children grow out of their awkward behavior as they go, and then they are on to the next awkward movement or social skill.
Best Wishes,
M. C.
HI,
Just to give you a little comfort, I had a close niece that walked with both of her feet pointing completely outwards until she was probably 2 or 3 and the family just really gave the mother a hard time about it and wanted the child to go in braces and everything.....so, in this case I wouldn't really seek too much advice. I would just simply have it checked out by her pediatrician and then don't even worry about it. My niece is perfectly normal now and walks just fine. It could be serious and then it could be nothing.
I would also see the doctor. It might be something that a little Physical Therapy would help. Sevices are free for children 3 and under and they will come to your house. All the therapy is play based. You might search for early intervention services under the Department of Developmental Disabilities. We had a similar issue at that age and it turned out to be mild Cerebal Palsey. Now she is 6 and you would never know that she had so many motor issues early on. Therapy does wonders.
Did this just start? If its been that way for a long time I would bring it up to his DR. It never hurts to ask even if it turns out to be something normal. Another thought is it just started it could just be something simple. I thought my son developed a limp and it lasted for over a month when his limp turned into a skip :) So if it just started maybe your son is tring to learn a new skill like skipping.
My little girl ran a little wierd when she was about 20 - 24 months. However, she ran and kicked her legs out. We were a little concerned, but it has passed and she runs like the rest of the kids now. I would say, just try to ask the doctor the next time he is in for a check up.
Hi L.,
I had the same problem when I was little. It turned out that my hips were real stiff. My mother took me to a chiropractor, who "relieved" my hips so they would grow straight and even. I am not saying this is your son's problem, but just another thing to check out. Many people don't think about going to a chiropractor.
Good luck.
He could be fine. It's hard to say. You might ask his doctor. Children's Hospital could give you an evaluation if you feel better checking it out. Your doctor would probably need to help you get in. I do know an OT who could recommend someone if you want more information. She doesn't work with kids, but she has great contacts. She has helped us a lot with our oldest who has needed OT and PT. Let me know if you want her contact information.
There may be many things going on here BUT let's assume that he is a perfectly healthy little boy-as he seems to be in all other ways. Perhaps you could give him leg and hip massages to soften his stiff legs and hips. Get some oil (even olive oil can work great if you want something that is already in your home!) and do gentle strokes on his hips and legs. Also. If you place him on his back and practice with him the running motion-so hold his ankles and then play a game where he has to "ride a bicycle"and move his legs round n round.
See if those two exercises loosen him up!
Good luck and let me know how it goes!
My son is 6 years old and on his flag football team there is a little boy his age that runs like his legs are really stiff. I would recommend speaking to your doctor to see what they say. It could be nothing but it better to be safer than sorry.
