Gait disorders in children
The way a child walks changes a great deal during the early years. Many things parents notice, such as feet turning in slightly or flat feet in a toddler, are part of normal development and improve on their own as the child grows. Some gait disorders in children, however, deserve an assessment and, where needed, paediatric physiotherapy.
The situations we see most often are:
- Toe walking: the child walks on their toes most of the time and rarely puts the heel down.
- In-toeing: the feet point inwards, often because of rotation at the thigh or shin bone.
- Flat feet: the arch looks low or absent when the child stands.
- Balance and coordination difficulties: the child falls often, tires quickly or finds running, jumping or stairs hard.
When an assessment is worthwhile
We suggest bringing your child for an assessment if:
- toe walking continues beyond about 2–3 years of age, or your child cannot bring the heel down;
- walking looks different on one side, or your child limps;
- your child complains of pain in the feet, knees or hips;
- they fall much more often than other children their age;
- flat feet are stiff, painful or getting worse;
- your child is not walking by around 18 months.
How we work at PhysioLife
1. Assessment. The physiotherapist watches how your child walks, runs and plays, and checks joint movement, muscle length (for example the calf), strength, balance and foot position. We also ask about your child’s development since birth. If we notice signs that need a different opinion, we refer you to a paediatrician, paediatric orthopaedic doctor or neurologist.
2. Exercise through play. For children, exercise needs to be fun. Using exercise therapy adapted into games, we work on calf flexibility, strength in the legs and hips, balance, coordination and walking pattern.
3. Guidance for parents. We show you how to practise with your child at home, what footwear to choose and which activities support development, such as barefoot walking on safe surfaces, jumping and ball games.
4. Follow-up. We review your child at regular intervals and, when needed, work with the doctor on insoles or other orthopaedic aids.
What to expect as a parent
Sessions are short and built around play, so your child takes part willingly. Progress comes gradually and depends a lot on regular practice at home, so your role is key. For many of these conditions, the goal is to help your child move confidently and join in play and sport alongside their friends.
If your child also has posture concerns, see our page on postural correction for children.
Parents' frequently asked questions about children's walking
Is it normal for my toddler to have flat feet?
Flexible flat feet are very common in young children, because the arch develops gradually over several years. An assessment is worthwhile if the foot is stiff or painful, or your child tires very easily.
Why does my child walk on tiptoe?
Often it is a habit left over from the early stages of walking, but sometimes it is linked to tight calf muscles or a neurological cause. An assessment helps us understand the reason and whether any further tests are needed.
Will in-toeing correct itself as my child grows?
In many cases it does, because rotation in the thigh and shin bones changes naturally with growth. We monitor your child and advise you if treatment is needed.
Does my child need orthopaedic shoes?
Not always. For most children, comfortable and flexible shoes are enough. Insoles or special shoes are recommended only after an assessment, when there is a clear reason.
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Book an assessment
Call us or write on WhatsApp. We will find a time that suits you and assess your case in person.
Mon–Fri 09:00–20:00 · Sat 09:00–14:00 · Rruga Andon Zako Çajupi 24, Tirana
This page is general information and does not replace a medical examination.