Common Gait Abnormalities In Children And How To Identify Them

As a parent or caregiver, observing your child’s walking patterns can reveal important insights into their physical development. Pediatric gait abnormalities may affect balance, coordination, and daily movement.

Identifying these issues early allows you to take action before problems worsen. In this article, you will discover common gait patterns in children, signs to watch for, and ways to support your child’s walking and confidence.

Toe Walking

Toe walking occurs when a child walks on their toes without letting their heels touch the ground. Some children outgrow this habit naturally as their muscles and coordination develop.

However, when toe walking persists beyond the early years, it may indicate underlying issues such as tight calf muscles, shortened Achilles tendons, or neurological conditions affecting muscle control.

You might also observe a noticeable change in your child’s posture, frequent tripping, fatigue during walking, or difficulty participating in running, jumping, and other playground activities. Early observation and discussion with a healthcare professional can help determine if intervention is needed to support normal walking patterns and overall mobility.

In-toeing

In-toeing, also called pigeon-toed walking, happens when the toes point inward instead of straight ahead. This gait pattern often develops due to rotational differences in the hips, thighs, or lower legs.

In many cases, children naturally outgrow in-toeing as their bones and muscles develop. Nevertheless, persistent in-toeing can lead to frequent tripping, uneven wear on shoes, or falls. This may affect a child’s confidence and willingness to participate in physical activities.

Observing how your child runs, walks, and climbs stairs can help you identify in-toeing early. Seeking advice from a pediatric specialist can clarify if exercises or supportive measures are needed to improve alignment and walking comfort.

Out-toeing

Out-toeing occurs when a child’s feet point outward instead of straight ahead while walking. This gait pattern can result from differences in hip rotation, leg alignment, or bone structure. While some children grow out of mild out-toeing naturally, persistent cases may lead to uneven muscle development, joint stress, or difficulties with balance and coordination.

You can often spot out-toeing by observing your child during daily activities, playtime, or sports, paying attention to how their feet, knees, and hips move.

Trendelenburg Gait

Trendelenburg gait occurs when a child’s pelvis drops on the side opposite the leg they are stepping with. This walking pattern is often caused by weakness in the hip muscles, especially those that stabilize the pelvis. Children with this gait may sway from side to side, appear off-balance, or have difficulty with activities that require weight shifting, such as running, climbing stairs, or stepping onto curbs.

One hip may dip lower than the other during walking or standing. Assessment by a pediatric therapist can identify the underlying cause and guide exercises or supportive strategies to strengthen hip muscles, improve stability, and make walking and daily activities safer and more comfortable.

Steppage Gait

Steppage gait is characterized by exaggerated lifting of the knees to clear the foot while walking. This pattern often occurs when the ankle muscles are weak or cannot lift the foot properly, making it difficult for the toes to clear the ground. Children with this gait may drag their toes, trip frequently, or take unusually high steps while moving.

Fatigue during walking or running and hesitation on uneven surfaces may also be present. Consulting a pediatric therapist can guide exercises, stretches, or supportive devices to improve ankle strength, walking efficiency, and overall safety during daily activities.

Scissor Gait

Scissor gait occurs when a child’s legs cross over each other while walking, creating a motion similar to the blades of scissors. This gait can result from tight muscles, spasticity, or certain neurological conditions. Children may have difficulty keeping their feet apart, trip frequently, or display unusual leg movements while walking or running.

Observation during daily activities, play, or sports allows a pediatric specialist to assess the gait and recommend strategies to support safer, more comfortable walking patterns.

Waddling Gait

A waddling gait causes a side-to-side hip motion during walking. Muscle or hip joint weakness often causes this pattern. You may notice rocking or leaning, which can make walking tiring and affect mobility. Early identification of these gait patterns allows you to get professional guidance and support.

Many children improve their walking, strength, and confidence with the right approach. At Innovative Interventions, our therapy programs and adaptive tools support your child’s balance, coordination, and independence. We work with families to create practical solutions that help children move more comfortably and confidently every day.

Contact us today to learn more.