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What is considered 'clumsy'?
Why is my child's walking clumsy?
Managing a clumsy gait
FAQs
Noticing an awkward or clumsy gait pattern in your child is concerning for any parent, especially with many unknowns as to what is and isn’t normal for what age range in kids. While toddlers are well known to have regular slips, falls and being thrown off balance as they are constantly learning to use their bodies in new ways, repetitive clumsiness in some children may also be a sign of an underlying problem, linked to everything from their muscle tone to problems with their vision or depth perception.
It can be difficult to a parent to discern between what is ‘clumsy’, and what may be your child working on their balance or coordination skills - or even playing a game with themselves where they sporadically walk on their toes, or try to walk on the outside edges of their feet, or making exaggerate side-to-side swaying motions. Children are curious and adventurous, and we want to help them stay this way without any restrictions from their lower limbs.
To better help discern what is and isn’t normal at what age, here are some standard development milestones according to the Centre For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) paired with Australia’s motor development chart:
When kids remain clumsy or unbalanced, or do not meet their developmental milestones, it indicates to our podiatry team that there could be
an underlying issue contributing to the clumsiness - though it’s important to note that there could be other causes too.
If your child is regularly falling and getting hurt as a result of their gait, this is a sign that it is worthwhile to bring them in for an assessment with our podiatry team in Brisbane. Other signs include:
There are a wide variety of reasons that can lead to a clumsy gait appearance - some may be linked to normal stages of growth like early in-toeing or out-toeing that may correct itself with time. Some may be ‘phases’ of a certain walking style that will pass. Other reasons may be more problematic and may warrant treatment with your podiatrist. Some examples of this include:
The first step to managing a clumsy gait is understanding why it is happening. We uncover this by performing a comprehensive yet fun, child-friendly assessment to gain a better insight into the child’s history, gait pattern, muscle strength, flexibility, balance, coordination and more. We also ask other important questions, like whether your child has had their hearing and eyesight checked recently, both of which can affect their balance.
Based on the results, your podiatrist will construct a unique and child-friendly management plan. We understand how important it is for children to be able to play, adventure, move independently and socialise with their peers - your children’s health and wellbeing is our priority. We have a wide range of treatment options for children depending on what our assessment uncovers, which may include:
Monday | 7:30am - 6:30pm |
Tuesday | 7:30am - 6:00pm |
Wednesday | 7:30am - 6:30pm |
Thursday |
7:30am - 6:00pm |
Friday | CLOSED |
Saturday | CLOSED |
Sunday | CLOSED |
Ground Floor, 344 Queen Street,
Brisbane City QLD 4000
Monday | 7:30am - 6:00pm |
Tuesday | 7:30am - 6:00pm |
Wednesday | 7:30am - 6:00pm |
Thursday |
7:30am - 6:30pm |
Friday | 7:30am - 5:30pm |
Saturday | 7:30am - 4:30pm |
Sunday | CLOSED |
Newmarket Village, 114/400 Newmarket Rd, Newmarket QLD 4051