3-6 years

Developing Gait & Alignment

Between three and six years, movement becomes more controlled and confident. Walking develops a smoother rhythm, while running, jumping, climbing and balancing become an increasingly natural part of everyday play.

During this phase, the legs and feet continue to change shape. A mildly knock-kneed appearance may become noticeable, intoeing can persist, and the arches may still look low while standing. These features are frequently part of normal development and often become less noticeable as strength, coordination and alignment mature..

Flat-Looking Feet

The arches may remain low or disappear while the child is standing, becoming visible again when sitting or rising onto tiptoes. This is known as flexible flatfoot and is usually a normal, painless variation during childhood.
In-toeing

In-toeing describes feet that point inward during walking or running. It may relate to the position of the foot, lower leg or hip and can become more noticeable when a child is tired. Most symmetrical and painless intoeing improves gradually with growth.
Foot or Leg Pain

Foot and leg discomfort should not routinely prevent a child from walking, playing or keeping up with others. Recurrent pain, limping, night pain or avoidance of activity should be investigated rather than assumed to be part of growth.
Knock Knees

Knock-knees occur when the knees come closer together while the ankles remain apart. This appearance is particularly common between three and five years and usually reduces naturally as the legs progress towards their more mature alignment.
Persistent Tip-Toe Walking

Occasional toe walking may still occur during play. Assessment is recommended when it is persistent, affects one side, causes tightness or discomfort, or when the child cannot comfortably place their heels on the ground.
Frequent Falling

Children are still refining balance, coordination and spatial awareness during this stage. Some falls are expected, but unusually frequent or worsening tripping—particularly with weakness, pain or asymmetry—may benefit from further assessment.
Uneven Walking or Alignment

Small differences between the two sides may occur, but a persistent limp, one-sided foot position, visibly uneven leg alignment or consistently unusual shoe wear may indicate that a closer assessment is appropriate.

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.