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Hip Dysplasia in Babies: Causes, Diagnosis & Early Treatment

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Hip dysplasia is a condition where a baby’s hip socket doesn’t fully cover the ball at the top of the femur, causing the hip joint to be partially or fully dislocated. This condition may be present at birth or develop gradually during infancy. Early detection is crucial to ensure healthy hip development, prevent long-term complications, and minimize the need for surgery. Key Risk Factors for Hip Dysplasia in Babies Certain factors increase the likelihood of hip dysplasia: Breech Birth: Babies born feet-first are 15–20% more likely to have hip dysplasia. Family History: If a parent or sibling had hip dysplasia, the baby’s risk increases. First-Born Girls: Female infants who are first-born may experience tighter uterine conditions that affect hip development. Other Factors: Low amniotic fluid or multiple pregnancies can also contribute. Awareness of these risk factors allows pediatricians to monitor infants closely and refer families to a pediatric orthopedic doctor when necessary. ...
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Keep Kids Moving: Expert Stretching Tips for Knee & Heel Pain

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Children’s active lifestyles sometimes come with knee and heel pain that can slow them down. From runner’s knee to plantar fasciitis, these aches are often caused by tight muscles, overuse, or sudden growth spurts. Understanding proper stretching techniques can help young athletes stay active, reduce discomfort, and prevent long-term issues. Why Children Experience Knee & Heel Pain Growing bodies are especially vulnerable due to rapid changes in bone length, muscle flexibility, and tendon strength. Common conditions include: Patellofemoral Syndrome (Runner’s Knee): Pain around the kneecap caused by imbalances in quadriceps muscles, worsened by running or squatting. Osgood-Schlatter Disease: Swelling below the kneecap due to stress on the growth plate during high-impact sports. Sever’s Disease: Heel pain caused by inflammation of the growth plate in the calcaneus, often linked to tension from the Achilles tendon. Plantar Fasciitis: Inflammation of the plantar fascia, causing hee...
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Tiny Bones, Big Care: Understanding Pediatric Orthopedic Treatment

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  Pediatric orthopedics is a specialized branch of orthopedic surgery dedicated to diagnosing, treating, and preventing musculoskeletal disorders in children. Unlike adults, children have growing bones, unique anatomical features, and developing muscles and joints. This makes pediatric orthopedic care distinct and highly specialized. Effective treatment requires not just clinical expertise but also a deep understanding of the dynamics of a child’s musculoskeletal system. Understanding the Growing Musculoskeletal System Children’s bones are not merely smaller versions of adult bones—they are dynamic, constantly growing, and adapting to stress. Pediatric orthopedic surgeons must consider variations in bone density, size, and composition, as well as growth plates (epiphyseal plates), which are areas of developing cartilage at the ends of long bones. Growth plates are particularly important because they determine the final length and shape of bones. Any injury or disorder affecting the...
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