Question
I've always had a weird gait and when I was a toddler, my parents had me checked out. It was just typical in toeing, so there was nothing to worry about.

However, Lately my mom has noticed my gait has gotten worse. The right foot is turning in much more than usual and my overall gist looks off. This has happened in the past before and after a couple weeks my gait returned to my normal level of in toeing. Normally I am in toeing and sometimes my feet knock my ankles when I walk or run.

I'm a 20 year old female. The only other relevant things I can think if include that my right shoulder is slightly higher than my left. In 6th grade the school nurse noticed that when asked to rest my hands at my side that my right arm doesn't naturally stay. It hangs out a couple inches to the side. I can force it to the side, but it isn't natural like with the left. My doctor has never noted any scoliosis in my spine.

My mom wants to get the gait issue checked out, but I was wondering if you had any ideas or if it was worth getting checked out?

Thanks for the help!

Answer
Hi, Meghan,

Thank you so much for writing with your question.  If I were you, I'd definitely get everything checked out.  Although you may not have any pain right now, any sort of imbalance or alignment issue could lead to significant arthritic changes and pain in the not-so-distant future.  It could affect your neck, back, arms, hips, knees, ankles, and/or feet.

Although arthritis is common among the elderly population, arthritic changes could begin sooner, even in your 30s or 40s, because of the extra stress on your joints.  Of course this is the worst-case scenario, and I don't mean to scare you.  It IS something to take seriously, however.

My recommendation would be to see an orthopedic surgeon, as it sounds like you have more than foot and ankle issues going on.  Listen to your mom; she's trying to do what is best for you.  And remember, you can always get a second opinion.

I hope this helps...and that this response isn't too overwhelming for you.  Please feel free to write again if you have any other questions.

Wishing you health, happiness, and peace,
Dr. Bodart