Walking patterns in kids

Families often contact my practice with concerns about the way their child is walking. More often than not such concerns come about from comparing a child with their peers. The reality is that like many areas of life there is a wide spectrum of what is considered normal or typical.

Typical early gait pattern:

When a child starts walking their feet are wide apart and they take quick but small steps. As their trunk muscles are still under developed they will usually look a little like a duck waddling (with their tummy’s sticking out).

What if your child’s gait does not look like this?! Are you unsure whether intervention is needed? Do certain gait patterns correct themselves overtime? Below are some of the more common deviations I see in my practice.

Toe Walking:

A child is classified as being a ‘toe walker’ when they are older than 2 years of age and walk like this approximately 80% of the time. You can find out more about this type of walking here

Bow legs or Knock Knees:

All bubs start off in a bow legged position before slowly changing to the opposite (knock knees) at about 2 years of age. By the age of 4 or 5 this has typically corrected itself and is typically linked to the shape of a child’s hip joints.

In toeing:

There is a range of possible causes of this. As a rule, this should resolve by the time your child is 6 years old. However, if your child is tripping excessively or is complaining of pain they may require an assessment sooner.

Out toeing:

If your child has been walking for more than 3 months it is recommended your child have an assessment. Your child may have underlying muscle weakness or greater joint flexibility.

If you have any concerns about your child’s walking pattern call 0423 157 013 or email totstoteensphysio@gmail.com for specialist advice.

References:

C.Douglas, J,Wright & B.Jacobs (2022). Variations in gait development: what is normal and when should I be concerned? Paediatrics and Child Health vol 32(2), pp71-76