As a parent, you may notice some unusual movements in your children as they grow and develop into their bodies. This could look like waddling or walking with their feet turned inward.

Often, as children grow, these conditions can correct themselves. But there are some red flags that might indicate a more serious issue, says Dr. William Didelot, Tidelands Health pediatric orthopedic surgeon.

Here are some common orthopedic conditions in children:

Most commonly, Dr. Didelot sees pediatric patients with an abnormal gait, and these conditions can stem from various factors, including genetics, trauma or even neurological issues.

These conditions include bow legs, pigeon toes, knock knees, out-toeing, toe walking, limping and waddling.

“It’s not necessarily a concern if your child walks differently, but if you notice your child can’t run well or they’re having functional issues, that warrants a visit to your health care provider,” Dr. Didelot says.

While some variations in gait are normal, such as toddlers who naturally waddle when they first start walking, persistent or painful limping should warrant concern. If your child is unable to run or has difficulty walking without discomfort, make an appointment with a pediatric orthopedist.

“A lot of people walk pigeon-toed, duck-footed or flat-footed, and that could all be normal for them, especially if they’ve always walked like that,” Dr. Didelot says. “But if they start limping or joints are swelling or they start having pain, then that’s when you want to have it checked out.”

Flatfeet is a common, inherited condition that can cause weak ankles and knees. Generally, there are no symptoms except a lack of an arch in the feet. However, some children with flexible flatfeet, or hypermobility, can experience growing pains.

Growing pains aren’t related to actual growth but instead can happen due to overuse of muscles, lower pain thresholds, low vitamin D levels and of course, flexible flatfeet.

“Typical growing pains are usually between ages 4 and 6,” Dr. Didelot says. “These pains often happen in the evening or nighttime, which can indicate it’s more related to flexible flatfeet with some overuse injuries, as opposed to true growing pains.”

Dr. Didelot says tight muscles and tendons are also common in children.

“If your child complains of leg pain after walking a long time, it could be more of an endurance issue that may be corrected with some conditioning,” Dr. Didelot says. “If they do that and are consistent with activity, they’re going to have improved flexibility, muscle strength and endurance.”

Dr. Didelot adds a lot of orthopedic conditions in children are genetic. He recommends looking at other relatives to see if they have some of the same characteristics.

“If your child ever starts complaining of pain, even after consistent conditioning and exercise, or if they are limping, make an appointment with a physician,” Dr. Didelot says.