My leg is bent..

[utternutter]

ever since i can remember my leg / foot bends inwards when i walk.. especially long distances.. ive always had trouble crossing my legs because its too painful unless my back is supported but even then i can only do it for a short period of time. about 2 years ago i went to the doctors about my hip joints as they were really painful but i was told its growing pains. i never mentioned the way i walk because people dont tend to notice at first but its got much worse. i get called spastic in the street and my boyfriend was filming me walking an animal from behind the other day and i only just saw the video.. u can clearly see my legs bending inwards im almost waddling.. and my knees always knock together when i walk... thats the final straw so ive booked an appointment with my doctor for friday but i feel like an idiot for going. does any one have a similar thing or any idea what the problems might be? i want to go armed with information but the internet is useless. thank you.

[LoftyLottie]

I certainly don't think you are an idiot. You have an obvious problem with which, apart from causing you to walk awkwardly has caused you pain and discomfort.

It could very simply be due to a postural habit but, whatever the cause, your doctor should take it seriously and refer you to a specialist. If you can get this sorted whilst you are young you will have a greater chance of putting things right and save yourself having even worse problems as you get older.

Good luck.

[utternutter]

gald someone actually thinks its worth gtting it checked out! my family say its fine its just the way i walk.. even when i say its painful!.. thanks for the input loftylottie =) x

[~Wingnut~]

Hi utternutter

You are not an idiot for going to the doctor over this and I am appalled that you have been called names in the street, that it truely dispicable.

Clearly as you are in pain sometimes as Lofty has said it could just be a posture issue but I think you may benefit from seeing an osteopath. My friend is seeing one for a back problem after an accident and she says he has been amazing. She also said that her leg has always gone inwards when walking and has since found out that all her brothers and sisters have had the same problem growing up but her's has been the worst. Her children also have the same problem and are currently seeing the osteopath too.

Your Doctor may refer you to one at the hospital but if you can afford it try to make an appointment with one near you and just have a consulation to see if anything can be done to help :o)

[utternutter]

thanks wingnut. thats very helpful. I just find it hard going to the doctor as my mum reckons im normal its just a different way of walking and that im stupid for going! even tho im in pain =\... all comments of encouragment are appreciated.. atleast i dont feel silly for going now thank you.x

[what..the?]

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-knock-knees.h tm

You might find this website 'above' useful I dont know. I do know what you mean when u describe what you suffer with I remember at school as a child nurses came into the school and in 'PE' lesson, we had to walk in our knickers back and forth down a corridor pare foot so they could check our legs and knees were straight.

I shouldnt worry about the doctors just be prepared to walk up and down in front of the doctor and most likely someone else they will send you to see who is a specialist.
So wear your good underwear and a long top, as you might be asked to walk with you pant off you see, so they can see you legs properly.

[what..the?]

http://www.cks.library.nhs.uk/patient_informat ion_leaflet/knock_knee#

[LoftyLottie]

That's excellent what..the?

Actually I have always been slight knock kneed and looked funny when I ran (I can't run anymore!) I now have arthritic knees and hips and problems with pain in feet as well. I wish I had sought advice when I was younger as my posture has now been dreadful for years.

I now see an osteopath , as Wingnut has suggested, who helps with many problems and who I now intend to see regularly for a check up to make sure my posture is as good as it can be!

I am glad you posted utternutter - it has given you the confidence you needed.

[Eve]

Definitely get seen and something in motion the earlier the better as many problems just get worse over time and it gets more difficult to fix the more it goes on.

I had a lot of problems with back while at uni (lots of bad posture reading, in lectures, working on a deli counter etc...) and with my legs and hips and walking years ago after having a lumbar puncture.

It wasn't until my boyfriend at the time convinced me to speak to my GP and go and get a consultation with an osteopath a year or so ago I realised how much sooner I should have tackled it.

I'm now getting a lot of help from my osteopath and was referred to rhumatology by my GP who are helping what turns out to be arthritis.

As it's private and requires payment, see if your parents will go with you to an initial consultation as some osteopaths do a free initial consultation to discuss your problems and how they may be able to help.

Advice from a professional may be more persuasive.

Your GP may also be able to refer you to people who can assess and help such as physios.

Why not show him the video on a phone and write down time and type of symptoms and anything which makes it better or worse as they may find this condensed info useful in an initial appointment.

Some parents have their own issues with illness or problems and if that is the case then you need to take charge yourself. I've been there and it does make things hard but it's your health so you need to take control if it :)

[lollypoploz]

big thank you to everyone who just posted i havent been on here for a bit. Thats all really helpful and im shocked so many people have the same sort of thing, wish u the best jenna and loftielottie and thanx what the? that was very helpful =) x