WADDLING GAIT

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

It’s important for parents to communicate openly with their child’s pediatrician and share any concerns about their child’s gait. The pediatrician can conduct a thorough examination, assess the child’s overall development, and determine whether further evaluation or intervention is necessary. In many cases, early intervention and targeted therapies, such as physical therapy, can address the underlying causes of a waddling gait and contribute to improved mobility and function.

Other Causes for Waddling Gait

The age of young kids, particularly toddlers, don’t walk as adults do. Their mechanics of balance and walking require practice. Short steps and a waddling stride are typical in youngsters under the age of two. However, a waddling gait that persists above the age of three may indicate a deeper problem, particularly if it’s accompanied by:

1. Tiptoeing, often known as walking on the balls of your feet
2. A protruding stomach
3. Falling, or stumbling
4. Low endurance

A waddling gait in a kid older than three years old might indicate:

1. Muscular dystrophy
2. Cerebral palsy
3. Congenital hip dysplasia
4. Lumbar lordosis

Some of these issues, such as lumbar lordosis, frequently resolve on their own. It’s advisable to consult with your child’s physician to identify the underlying problem because certain symptoms call for therapy. Your youngster might occasionally just need to work with a physical therapist.

Muscular Dystrophy (MD)

A series of uncommon disorders collectively referred to as muscular dystrophy (MD) weaken and eventually destroy muscles. Waddling is a sign of several forms of MD, including:

Duchenne MD

This condition affects the arms, legs, and pelvis and is virtually exclusively seen in boys. A primary indicator is having trouble crawling or standing up off the floor. A young child is diagnosed with Duchenne MD.

Becker MD

This disorder, a lesser variation of Duchenne MD, is similarly more prevalent in boys. It has an impact on the shoulders, pelvis, hips, and thigh muscles. Early adolescence or late childhood are common diagnosis times for Becker MD. Although there is no treatment for MD, there are a number of ways to slow down the disease’s course and increase mobility. These consist of:

• Assistive devices
• Gait training, a kind of physical therapy
• Medication
• Surgery

Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neurological condition that runs in families. Muscle weakness and other symptoms are brought on by the motor neurons in your spinal cord deteriorating. The thighs are particularly affected by one kind of SMA called autosomal dominant spinal muscular atrophy with lower extremity predominance, which results in thigh muscle weakening and tissue loss. This unusual variant of SMA often manifests in infancy. Waddling may potentially indicate a symptom of autosomal dominant spinal muscular atrophy with lower extremity predominance.

• Foot anomalies.
• Extreme muscular tone.
• The lower back’s curvature is pronounced.
• Breathing difficulties.
• Limited head size.

There is no cure for SMA; however, doctors can manage symptoms with the use of medicine, physical therapy, and surgery.

Diagnosing Waddling Gait

Doctors can find the source of a waddling gait in a number of ways. Your doctor may use any of the following methods following a physical exam to look for any new symptoms:

• Searching for particular illness signs through genetic testing.
• Muscle problems can be detected with a biopsy.
• An enzyme blood test to look for high creatine kinase levels, which are an indication of MD.
• Hip dysplasia may be checked for using ultrasonography.

It’s natural to walk with a waddling gait when pregnant, but this usually goes away upon the baby’s birth. Additionally frequent in children under 2, it frequently goes away on its own. If it doesn’t, it can indicate a more serious illness, such as MD or baby hip dysplasia.

Treatment of Waddling Gait in Children

The treatment of a waddling gait in babies and children depends on the underlying cause of the gait abnormality. Here are some common approaches that healthcare professionals may consider:

In very young children, especially toddlers who are still developing their motor skills, a waddling gait might appear as a normal part of the developmental process. In such cases, healthcare professionals may recommend observation and regular monitoring to see if the gait improves as the child’s muscles and coordination develop naturally.

Physical Therapy:

Physical therapy is a common and effective intervention for addressing a waddling gait. The physical therapists can work with the child to improve muscle strength, flexibility, and overall coordination. They may prescribe specific exercises and activities designed to target the muscles supporting the hips and thighs.

Orthopedic Interventions:

For structural issues or conditions affecting the bones and joints, orthopedic interventions may be recommended. This can include the use of braces, splints, or orthotic devices to provide support and encourage proper alignment during walking. These devices may assist in stabilizing the hip and knee joints.

Surgical Options:

In certain cases, especially when there are structural abnormalities or severe conditions, doctors may recommend surgery. Orthopedic surgeries can address issues such as hip dysplasia, muscle lengthening, or corrections to bone alignment. However, surgery is typically reserved for cases where conservative measures have not been effective, and the waddling gait is significantly impacting the child’s mobility and function.

Management of Underlying Conditions:

If the waddling gait is a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as a muscle disorder or hip dysplasia, the primary focus will be on managing and treating that condition. This may involve medication, specialized therapies, or other targeted interventions.

It’s important to note that the treatment plan will be individualized based on the specific needs and characteristics of the child. Early intervention is crucial for a favorable outcome, and parents should consult with healthcare professionals, such as pediatricians or pediatric orthopedic specialists, to determine the appropriate course of action. Regular follow-up appointments are typically recommended to assess progress, make adjustments to the treatment plan as needed, and ensure optimal development.

Choosing Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists

Always consult with your doctor if your child begins to walk differently.  If you come to one of our Medical City Children’s Orthopedics & Spine Specialists offices in Arlington, Dallas, Flower Mound,  Frisco, and McKinney, Texas, our pediatric orthopedic doctors will examine your child and recommend the best treatment option to repair the problem and get your child back playing.

As previously mentioned, our doctors at the Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists, will examine your child and understand the reasons for a waddling gait.  At that point, the doctor will prepare an individualized treatment plan for your child if he finds the cause of the unusual gait.  After correcting the problem, your child will resume his or her favorite activities. For athletes, it may take up to a year before they may resume their sport.

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WebMD: What to know about Waddling Gait