Gait abnormalities in children with cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy is a condition characterised by difficulties with movement resulting from damage to the brain.

Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the brain. The damage may occur during pregnancy, but may also result from complications during childbirth or problems in the first year of life.

The severity and number of symptoms can vary from child to child. They depend on the time at which the brain was damaged, the location of the damage and the severity of the damage.

• Problems with movement;
• They roll, sit, crawl, stand and walk later than other children;
• Problems with coordinating movements;
• Low muscle tone in the first few months of life;
• Between the ages of one and two, muscle tone increases;
• The muscles become stiffer, making movement more difficult; spasticity;
• Walking on tiptoes;
• Spreading the legs;
• Children with minor injuries will be able to walk;
• Children with severe disabilities are often unable to walk;
• Scoliosis;
• Hip dysplasia.

The podiatrist can offer advice on footwear and fit orthotic insoles to relieve pressure on the feet.