18 months - 3 years

First Steps

Between 18 months and three years, walking becomes increasingly confident and purposeful. Your child begins exploring more independently—progressing from careful early steps to running, climbing and navigating changes in direction.

During this period, the feet may still appear flat, the legs gradually transition from their early bowed position, and the toes may point inward or outward. Balance, coordination and alignment continue to develop at different rates, making some variation a natural part of learning to walk.

Flat-Looking Feet

Flat-looking feet are expected during the toddler years. The arch remains partly concealed by a natural fatty pad, while the bones, muscles and supporting structures are still developing. Assessment may be helpful if the foot appears rigid, painful or noticeably different from the other.
In-toeing

Intoeing occurs when one or both feet point inward while walking. It is common during childhood and may originate from the foot, lower leg or hip. Most flexible, symmetrical intoeing improves naturally as growth and coordination progress.
Out-toeing

Toddlers may walk with their feet pointing outward to create a broader and more stable base. This often becomes less noticeable as balance improves. Marked, one-sided or worsening out-toeing may benefit from assessment.
Leg alignment

Bowed legs commonly begin to straighten during this stage, and some children gradually develop a mildly knock-kneed appearance. This transition is usually part of normal lower-limb development, particularly when it is symmetrical and painless.
Tip-Toe Walking

Occasional toe walking may occur while a toddler experiments with balance and movement. Advice should be sought if toe walking is persistent, affects only one side, begins suddenly after a typical walking pattern was established, or prevents the heels from comfortably reaching the floor.
Frequent Falling

Falls are common while toddlers develop balance, coordination and awareness of their surroundings. Assessment may be useful if falling is unusually frequent, worsening, associated with pain or accompanied by a clear difference between the two sides.
Delayed or Asymmetrical Walking

Children develop at individual rates, but independent walking is generally expected by around 18 months. Further assessment is recommended if a child is not yet taking independent steps, consistently avoids one leg, drags a foot, develops a limp or loses a movement skill they previously had.

Our Process

Appointment

We start by listening. Tell us about your symptoms, concerns, lifestyle and what you’d like to get back to doing comfortably.
Assess

We examine your feet and lower limbs, looking at movement, structure and function to better understand what may be contributing to your symptoms.
Foot Scan

Where appropriate, advanced pressure and gait analysis helps us see how your feet interact with the ground and identify patterns that may not be visible to the eye.
Treatment Plan

We bring everything together to create a personalised treatment plan, with clear recommendations designed around your findings, needs and goals.