I think what you are talking about is referred to as a(the?) Q factor. Don't ask me where the name comes from. Some people just need their feet further apart for whatever reason (wide hips, etc.). It sounds like you may be one of those people.

Some bike shops sell gadgets called knee savers that move your feet further apart by (I think) moving your pedal further from the crank. You might look into them. With a name like knee savers, they might be important.

Something to think about, in any case.