Childhood tumbles are a normal part of growing up, but how do you know when it’s not normal? Parents want answers to this question, and at Wayne Foot & Ankle Center, we’re happy to provide them! Read on to learn how you can spot, decode, and treat excessive tripping and falling in your child.
Beyond “Growing Pains”: Common Foot Issues Linked to Tripping
If your child experiences frequent tripping and falling, more so than their peers, it might signal more than typical clumsiness. Persistent tripping can mean your child’s feet or ankles aren’t functioning optimally.
Common pediatric conditions that lead to this include:
- Flat Feet & Overpronation: When a child has flat feet, their arches may lack support, leading to pronation (ankles rolling inward). This affects balance and gait, increasing tripping.
- In-Toeing or Out-Toeing: Feet pointing significantly inward (in-toeing) or outward (out-toeing) during walking can disrupt a smooth stride, causing them to catch their feet.
- Toe Walking: Consistent toe walking after toddlerhood can lead to tight calf muscles and an unstable gait.
- Ankle Instability (Rolling): Weak ankles or improperly healed sprains can cause the ankle to “roll” easily, leading to unexpected stumbles.
- Metatarsus Adductus (MA): This condition, where the front of the foot turns inward, can sometimes cause tripping, especially in younger children.
Less Obvious Contributors to Instability
Sometimes, underlying issues manifest as clumsiness:
- Foot Pain or Heel Pain: If your child has discomfort, they might alter their gait to avoid pain, leading to unsteadiness. Conditions like Sever’s Disease (common heel pain in active children) can be a factor.
- Subtle Deformities: Less common congenital conditions like clubfoot (even if treated) or vertical talus can have lasting impacts on foot mechanics if not properly managed.
What Parents Can Do: Observation & Action
- Watch how your child walks and runs. Do their ankles roll in? Do feet point significantly inward or outward? Do they seem to trip over their own feet?
- Check their shoes. Look for uneven wear patterns on shoe soles, indicating gait abnormalities. Ensure shoes fit properly and offer good support.
- Don’t dismiss complaints as “growing pains.” Ask about any foot, ankle, leg, or heel pain, especially during or after activity.
- Note frequency. Is tripping an occasional or a regular occurrence disproportionate to their peers?
When to See a Podiatrist
If you notice persistent, frequent tripping, visible foot/ankle alignment issues, or if your child complains of foot pain, early evaluation is key. We can accurately diagnose the underlying cause and recommend interventions like gait observation, targeted exercises, or custom orthotics.
Questions? Concerns? Dr. Lindsey Calligaro at Wayne Foot & Ankle Center is happy to help. Our team has the tools, techniques, and proven expertise to treat your feet. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
