Body Posture

Signs of poor posture:

• Head tilt – when looking at your child from behind, are their ear lobes level?
• Head rotation – does their head turn a little more to one side?
• Shoulder tilt
• Rounded shoulders
• Flat feet
• Turned in toes
• Knocked knees
• Slouchy sitting/ standing posture
• Poking head/chin forward – when looking at your child from side on, does their head appear to be further in front than their body?

Possible causes of poor posture:

• Heavy school bags
• Excessive screen time
• Prams and car seats
• Poor body awareness
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Poor footwear

Useful Information Links

http://raisingchildren.net.au/

http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/index.php

http://www.childdevelopment.com.au/

http://cd.net.au/

http://www.cyh.com/Default.aspx?p=1

Developmental Hip Dysplasia (DDH)

Developmental Hip Dysplasia is when there is abnormal development of the hip joint. Treatment for DDH varies depending on the severity, with treatment maybe involving the use of a brace, a non-surgical procedure under sedation or surgery to correct the hips position.

Further information about hip dysplasia can be found following the link below.

https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Developmental_dysplasia_of_the_hip_DDH/

https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Developmental_dysplasia_of_the_hip_DDH_video/

https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Wrapping_your_baby_safely/

Flat Feet

Flat feet in children without any other symptoms, particularly in infants, is often a normal part of development. Typically developing children often have flat feet due to loose joints and their arch is observed to be flexible, which means you can see an arch when the feet are off the ground or when they rise on tip toes. Typically, an arch develops in standing by the age of six, however this is not always the case.

Club Feet (CTEV)

Club foot is a common foot abnormality that can affect one or both feet of a newborn baby. Treatment follows the Ponsetti method and is shown to have excellent results in correcting the position of the feet, when it is followed correctly.

Further information can be found following the link below.

https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Clubfoot_%E2%80%93_boots_and_bar/

Metatarsus Varus (MTV)

Metatarsus Varus, or otherwise known as Metatarsus Adductus is a common foot condition which affects newborn babies or young children. It presents with the outside border of the foot curving inwards, resulting in a moon-shaped foot position. Often the foot position is flexible and will correct itself in time; however, in some other instances the foot may need stretching, splinting or casting to correct its position.

Further information can be found following the links below.

http://www.wch.sa.gov.au/

https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/

http://www.physiotherapy.asn.au/APAWCM/Physio_and_You/Children.aspx

https://choose.physio/your-lifestage/infants-and-children

http://www.physiotherapy.asn.au/

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy is a lifelong movement disorder which limits a child’s ability to move or control movements in a voluntary way. This is caused by the brain being damaged either during utero or in early life, with the severity of the condition varying greatly.

Further information can be found following the link below.

https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Cerebral_palsy/

Developmental Coordination Disorder

Developmental Coordination Disorder is characterised when children have delayed motor skills and difficulty with coordinating movements.

Further information can be found following the link below.

https://www.canchild.ca/en/diagnoses/developmental-coordination-disorder

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a progressive condition which affects only boys, although girls can be carriers of the gene. The condition is characterised by loss of muscle strength and affects all muscles of the body. Typically, a child will lose their ability to walk by the age of 12 and then they will need to use a wheelchair for mobility.

Further information can be found following the link below.

https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Duchenne_muscular_dystrophy_DMD/