When Is a Specialist Needed

Well, at sixteens months we shouldn't be expecting a perfect gait, but that does sound kind of unusual. My own daughter was bowlegged and grew out of it by age five, but then again she never had problems walking.
I wonder, does she ever walk like that when she is barefooted? If not, I wouldn't stress too much. Hard soled shoes are awkward enough for some adults to walk in, much less toddlers. Also, some shoes (especially hard soled) are cut more narrow than others. Does she express discomfort or try to take her shoes off before or after this happens? She may have wide feet, or one foot wider than the other.
However, if you find her doing this regardless of what she's wearing and/or she does it with increasing frequency take her back to the doctor. I would especially be concerned if it seems that she's not doing it intentionally.
Sometimes you have to be a little stern with doctors, they're so rushed, but your concern deserves to be addressed. Sometimes foot dragging is nothing, but sometimes it can be an indication of something more serious. Either way, being "balled up for ten months" is not a real answer.

I had forgotten about this. Too funny. I remember when my husband mentioned it with our children. I told him it was normal and to not worry about it. Just give it some time.

Also, I don't even have my children wear shoes until they have been walking for about a month or two really well. When they are little, they just wear socks.

Personally, I'd take her to an orthopedic specialist to be on the safe side. A small co-pay is worth it to know what might be the issue here.

M., I work for a really great Chiropractor, we just had someone else's baby come in with a similar problem. He looked at her hips, leg developement etc. she was fine and no adjustment needed. If you would like more info or to come in for a free consult just let me know.
Johna

My daughter is 6yrs old and has turned in feet. Its her feet not her legs ,so its ok. The only real way to correct it is for them to wear unconfortable braces on her feet. My DD is very athletic and active, she sometimes trips over her own feet but she does pretty good now. I had the same questions when my daughter was a baby, our Dr said she would grow out of it but she never did, but saying that it doesn't keep her from doing the things she loves, she loves to run and shes very fast, she plays soccer and does Ballet and Tap. She is a very normal 6yr old. There was a study done that says that some of the fastest runners actually run with their feet turned in and on their toes. I was worried at first but it hasn't stopped her from doing what she wants to do.

as for the dragging her foot she's been waking for less than a year , thats pretty normal when they have shoes on. its starting to be spring so she can prob start wearing sandals soon. in the house I'd let her go barefooted or sock footed.

I'd ask your doctor for a referral to a pediatric physical or occupational therapist, or to an orthopedic to have her evaluated. You'll feel better if someone else tells you it's nothing to worry about. Otherwise you'll always wonder, especially if she doesn't grow out of it.

Better to be safe then sorry and say well if I would have trusted my feelings. Mothers have these feelings because sometimes we do know better then doctor's and what your doctor stated is an opinion he/she may or may not be correct. Ask for a referral and here's something I do if I get greef from my doctor or nurse I say this " my husband wants the referral and he wants the child to see a specialist I have to live with him and make everyone happy it's a difficult job just as you do, I thank you for working with me on this matter, when can I have my referral?"
Have a specialist picked out in advance have the name, number and fax available when you call your doctor. It's up to you to choose on your doctor doesn't know every specialist on your insurance. If no referral is needed (check with your insurance co first) then just pick one out yourself and make an appointment. I say this because I've had the he'll grow out of it experience with ear infections at 18months my child still not able to say but 3 words I was right they were wrong.
I don't know what hospital is near you but I always pick specialist associated with Scottish Rite children's hospital so that if my child needs surgery a children's hospital to me is the best for a doctor to be associated with not a hospital with a children's area. Just my opinion.