Gait disorders in children can occur due to many different problems. While some conditions may improve on their own during the developmental process, others may require treatment. The use of inappropriate footwear or insufficient attention by the family to the child's walking pattern may lead to orthopedic problems in later periods.
Gait disorders in babies and children may include;
- Developmental hip dysplasia (hip dislocation),
- Leg length discrepancies
- Cerebral palsy
- Spina bifida
- In-toeing and out-toeing
- Flat feet
How Can Gait Disorders Be Recognized in Babies?
Recognizing a gait disorder in babies at an early stage helps treatment begin early and may contribute to successful outcomes. It can be understood whether there is a problem when babies begin to walk. Babies generally begin walking between 9 and 18 months of age. Prolongation of this period and delayed walking may be a sign. Inability of a walking baby to maintain balance and frequent falls, leaning more toward one side, using one leg more than the other, not placing the heels fully on the ground and constantly walking on tiptoes, inward- or outward-turning feet, or differences in the length of the feet or legs may be signs of a gait disorder.
How Are Gait Disorders Diagnosed in Children?
When symptoms of gait disorders in children are noticed, a specialist should definitely be consulted. The doctor asks the family questions about the child and obtains information about the child's developmental process. The child's posture, gait, and the shape of the feet and legs are examined. Whether the condition has a neurological origin is investigated, and imaging tests may be used for further evaluation. The type of gait disorder is diagnosed, and a treatment plan appropriate for the child's age and problem is prepared.
How Are Gait Disorders Treated in Children?
How gait disorders in children are treated depends on the cause of the disorder. If there is a gait disorder caused by trauma, this problem may disappear as the trauma heals. Gait disorders in children may occur due to many foot placement problems and diseases. Each of these problems involves different treatment methods. In many children, these problems improve spontaneously with age without treatment. Not every gait problem requires insoles or surgical treatment; walking barefoot and exercise are more commonly recommended.
Gait disorders in children do not only involve problems related to the feet. When a child presents with such a complaint, the hip, knee, and entire leg are evaluated. The source of the problem is identified, and treatment is applied accordingly. Medication may be effective in gait disorders of neurological origin.
Hip dislocation is a problem that may cause gait disorders. When detected in babies after birth, it may be treated without surgery using a splint. In babies diagnosed after 6 months of age or for whom treatment is planned, surgical treatment may be performed under general anesthesia. Another example is cerebral palsy, a condition in which brain development is not completed and movement and posture disorders occur.
Physical therapy and rehabilitation are important in the treatment of gait disorders in children. Physical therapy is a commonly used treatment for strengthening muscles and improving balance and coordination. Physical therapy specialists create exercise programs suitable for the child's needs. These exercises, when performed regularly, may help improve the child's walking ability. Various orthoses, or walking devices, may be used to assist the child in walking. These devices support joints such as the ankle, knee, or hip, helping provide a more balanced and proper gait.