Gait disorders may leave many parents feeling worried and unsure about their child’s ability to walk. In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know about gait abnormalities.

If your child is experiencing serious symptoms of Gait Abnormalities, it is best to visit Dr. Bradley – an experienced pediatric orthopedic doctor, to discuss the best treatment option & your kids’ orthopedic health in Brandon & Riverview, FL. 

What is Gait Abnormality in Children?

Gait abnormality is an unusual walking pattern. Many young children may have an abnormal gait for a period of time as they grow and learn to walk. During the early years, there can be some obvious gait abnormalities in children.

Luckily, the vast majority of children grow out of gait abnormalities without medical treatment. Although many of these disturbances are quite common and correct themselves on their own, some require medical assistance. 

Let’s Discuss Gait Development

There are considerable variations in normal gait patterns and the ages at which the changes occur, and these appear to be family orientated. Here are some interesting facts that will tell you more about gait development:

• Until a child is approximately 3 years old, their normal gait doesn’t resemble that of an adult. Initially, there is a wide-based stance with a rapid cadence and short steps.

• Toddlers have a broad-based gait for support and appear to be high-stepped and flat-footed, with arms outstretched for balance. Legs are extremely rotated, with a degree of bowing.

• Heel strike develops around 15 – 18 months with reciprocal arm swing.

• Running and change of direction occur after the age of 2 years.

• In the school-aged child, the step length increases and step frequency slows.

• Adult gait and posture occur around the age of 8.

What are the Most Common Types of Gait Abnormalities in Children

The most common types of gait abnormalities in children are in-toeing and out-toeing.

In-toeing is walking with feet turned inward and out-toeing is walking with feet turned outward. Several common conditions can cause your child’s feet to turn inward or outward in their early years, including tibial torsion and femoral rotation. Each of these conditions typically improves on its own during childhood.

Causes of Abnormal Gait in Children

Different types of gait patterns in children have various causes. Let’s look at some of those:

Tibial Torsion

Tibial Torsion can either be internal (baby's knees point forward, but feet turn inward) or external (baby learning to walk with feet turned out). The good news is that the condition often improves without treatment before a child turns 4. Some children may be asked to wear night brace between 18 to 30 months old in rare cases. 

Toe walking

Toe walking is one of the most common gait abnormalities in child development. It essentially means heel contact is absent and can happen until your little one is almost 3. It usually resolves on its own over time. Most cases run in families or are caused by tight muscles. If your little one walks normally to start with and then walks on their toes, they might need treatment later on.

Femoral Version

The femoral version is when your child’s upper leg turns inward or outward, causing the feet to twist inward or outward. This condition might become noticeable between the ages of 3 and 4, when the hips’ inward rotation increases. Usually, it will get better with time and won’t require medical intervention. 

Bowlegs & Knock Knees

Bowlegs are not unusual with out-toeing where a baby walks with feet turned out from birth until they’re 18 months old. It involves the legs curving outwards at the knees. Knock knees, on the other hand, are associated with inward feet until the age of 7. It happens when the legs curve inward at the knees. Both bowlegs and knock knees typically self-correct as a child grows.

Flat Feet

Flat feet are widespread in infants and young children. Most kids have a flexible foot with a normal arch when they tiptoe. However, children with flat feet have arches that aren’t yet developed, so their entire feet press against the floor. The arches typically develop throughout childhood until the age of 10.

Limping

Limp gait is most likely caused by a minor injury, such as splinters, tired muscles, or blisters. In rare cases, limping can signify a more serious problem like a sprain, dislocation, fracture, joint infection, or autoimmune arthritis. Chronic limping may indicate a developmental problem, such as leg length discrepancy or hip dysplasia if it’s not painful. It could also indicate a neuromuscular problem like cerebral palsy. 

How Exactly is a Giat Abnormality Diagnosed?

If your child cannot walk well and independently by 18 months, they could be experiencing one of the different types of gait abnormalities. In this case, it may be a good idea to visit Dr. Bradley at POBAR to get them checked out. 

Dr. Bradley will conduct a physical exam of their legs and feet. They will also assess how they walk or run. Some of the things he may ask are:

• How long has your child struggled to walk properly?

• Does your child show any signs of being in pain while they walk?

• Has any of your family members had long-term walking disorders?

Other diagnostic procedures could include:

• X-rays can be used to review bone structure and alignment.

• A Computerised Tomography scan, also known as a CAT or CT scan, shows detailed images of the joints and bones.

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), where you can see soft tissues and structures within the body to rule out any related abnormalities of the spinal cord and nerves. 

How Gait Abnormalities are Treated?

Of course, by now you are wondering what are the treatment options for gait abnormalities. In most cases, a child with an abnormal gait is observed over the course of several years. Dr. Bradley will monitor your child’s walking patterns to ensure their legs continue to develop and their walking patterns become more typical over time.

Fortunately, most causes of gait abnormalities will resolve without any intervention as a child grows. If a gait abnormality is caused by an injury or developmental condition, Dr. Bradley will treat that condition. 

If you’re looking for a pediatrician who is well-versed in treating children with gait abnormalities, make an appointment today. Our staff members are always happy to answer any questions or concerns that you may have.

For Premier Pediatric Orthopedic Care and Compassionate Treatment, Dr. Bradley is the Leading Choice in Brandon & Riverview

Do you live in Brandon or Tampa, FL, and need the best orthopedic pediatric care for your child? Look no further than POBAR (Pediatric Orthopedics of Brandon and Riverview). Our team is always eager to help with any queries that you may have.

Don't delay – secure a timely diagnosis and treatment to ensure your child can remain healthy and vibrant without restrictions. Make an appointment today to ensure your child receives the expert attention they deserve!