What is typical when it comes to gait development, what could be cause for concern and how you can support your little one as they find their feet?
Watching your child take their first steps is one of the most thrilling milestones in their early years. However, for some children, walking may not come as easily and in these cases, concerns about gait development might arise. Gait simply means the way in which a person walks, and like all aspects of development, it can vary widely between kids. While many differences are part of a child’s natural growth and may resolve on their own, some may indicate an underlying issue that needs attention.
The basics of gait
Most children begin walking independently between a year and fifteen months, although some may start as early as nine months or as late as eighteen months. In the early stages, it’s common for little ones to display an unsteady gait, often with wide-based steps, arms held up for balance and a bit of wobbling. As they grow, they gradually gain strength and coordination, which leads to a more stable, balanced walk.
During the toddler years, a child’s gait can go through various phases, including toe-walking, in-toeing (pigeon-toed gait) and out-toeing. These can often look worrying to parents, but most of these phases are just part of development and will improve as muscles strengthen, bones grow and coordination gets better.
Signs of an issue
While it’s true that many gait variations are temporary and improve on their own, there are a few signs that parents should watch for, which could indicate a more persistent issue. Let’s take a look!
Toe-walking
While occasional toe-walking can be part of exploring movement, consistent toe-walking, especially if your child is not placing their heels on the ground, might signal tightness in the Achilles tendon, muscle weakness or neurological concerns.
In-toeing or out-toeing
In-toeing and out-toeing are quite common when a child first learns to walk. However, if these patterns persist beyond the age of three or appear to worsen, it’s worth seeking advice from a paediatrician or physiotherapist.
Uneven walking or limping
If you notice that your child is consistently limping, favouring one side or displaying a noticeable difference in leg movement, it may indicate a structural or muscular issue that needs attention.
Pain, fatigue or unwillingness
If your child regularly complains of pain in their legs, seems overly tired after walking or is reluctant to walk at all, it’s definitely important to investigate further. Pain is not typically part of normal development, so this certainly warrants a closer look.
Dragging or tripping
A child who drags one foot while walking or often trips over may have a muscular imbalance or a neurological issue. Frequent tripping could also indicate a developmental delay in coordination.
Possible causes
Gait issues can happen through a variety of factors, some more common and benign, and others that may need medical intervention. Here are a few possibilities.
Flat feet
This occurs when the arches of your child’s feet don’t develop fully, causing their entire foot to press against the ground. While this is usually not painful, it can affect their gait.
Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)
DDH happens when the hip joint doesn’t form properly, leading to instability. It’s often detected early on, but mild cases can go unnoticed until a child begins walking.
Cerebral palsy
Perhaps the most well-known on this list, this neurological condition affects muscle tone and movement, often resulting in stiff or floppy muscles that impact gait.
Muscle weakness or tightness
Weak or tight muscles in children’s legs, particularly the calf or hamstring muscles, can lead to difficulties in maintaining a balanced walk.
Supporting a healthy gait
There are several ways parents can support their child’s walking journey and encourage healthy gait development.
Barefoot time
Whenever it’s safe and practical, it’s good to let your child walk barefoot. Barefoot walking helps strengthen the muscles in their feet and legs, encourages the development of their arches, and allows for better proprioception – awareness of where their body is in space.
Playtime and exercise
Movement is the key to muscle development and coordination! It’s wise to encourage activities like walking, running, climbing and balancing. Gentle stretching exercises can also be beneficial, especially if your child has tight muscles. You can even turn this into fun ‘together time’.
The right footwear
Try to avoid rigid shoes or those with a lot of arch support for young walkers. Instead, opt for flexible, lightweight shoes that allow plenty of natural foot movement. As children get older, choose shoes with good support, but without restricting their foot flexibility.
Consult a specialist
If you’re worried about your child’s gait, a visit to a paediatrician or paediatric physiotherapist can help determine whether there’s cause for concern. They can provide guidance, suggest exercises, or recommend orthotics or therapy if needed.
Getting help
If you decide to consult a professional about your child’s gait, a thorough evaluation will typically include an assessment of their muscle strength, flexibility, joint alignment and neurological health. Depending on the findings, your little one may benefit from a tailored exercise programme, physical therapy or, in rare cases, surgical intervention.
It’s always better to address potential issues early, as timely intervention can often prevent long-term problems and ensure that your child develops a strong, stable gait.
It’s important to remember that everybody’s walking journey is unique and a wide range of variations in gait can be entirely normal. As a parent, staying informed and observant is key, but try not to worry too much about minor differences unless they persist or cause your child discomfort. With the right support and a watchful eye, most children will grow into confident walkers in no time!
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