We expect children to walk and run confidently. However, sometimes, their feet and ankles might move in unusual ways that indicate underlying neurological issues. For us at Syracuse Podiatry, recognizing these neurological foot and ankle problems early is incredibly important. They’re not just about muscle weakness; they involve complex communication between the brain, nerves, and muscles that control movement. Let’s explore some common manifestations and their causes.

Neurological Foot Conditions in Children

At a young age, neurological issues occur when there’s a disruption in the signals traveling along the nerves to the foot’s muscles. This can affect muscle tone (which makes them stiff or too floppy), coordination, and sensation.

Over time, this creates apparent problems with the child’s walking pattern, balance, or how the foot’s shape develops.

Common Manifestations and Causes

With that being said, here are a few foot conditions with a neurological basis:

Idiopathic Toe Walking

This is one of the most common gait variations in childhood, where a child persistently walks on their tiptoes without an obvious underlying neurological or orthopedic cause. While many children will naturally grow out of it, it can sometimes persist.

Toe walking is thought to be related to sensory processing differences, where the sensation of the heel striking the ground might be uncomfortable, or it could be due to subtle tightness in the calf muscles. Persistent toe walking can lead to shortened Achilles tendons and potential pain.

Restless Legs Syndrome in Children

Often overlooked, RLS can affect children, typically starting around the end of the first decade. It causes uncomfortable sensations in the legs and feet at night and disrupts sleep.

While the exact cause isn’t always known, it often has a strong genetic predisposition and can be associated with low iron levels.

Sensory Processing Differences Affecting the Feet

Some children with Sensory Processing Disorder may react unusually to tactile input, including the feel of socks, shoes, or different textures underfoot (like sand or grass). This hypersensitivity can lead to a refusal to wear certain shoes, a preference for specific surfaces, or even gait abnormalities like toe walking if the child is trying to avoid certain sensations on their heels. Conversely, some children might be “sensory seekers,” which means they’ll stomp their feet or create heavy pressure.

Acquired Peripheral Neuropathy

While less common than the congenital forms mentioned previously, children can develop acquired peripheral neuropathy due to various factors. These might include certain vitamin deficiencies, exposure to toxins, some medications (like chemotherapy), autoimmune diseases, or metabolic conditions like diabetes (though onset in early childhood for Type 2 is less common). This nerve damage can lead to numbness, tingling, or weakness in the feet and ankles.

For advice concerning any podiatric concerns you’re dealing with, the expert team at Syracuse Podiatry is here to help guide you. Contact us today so Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Donal M. Erickson, Dr. Keith Sherman, and Dr. Nicholas Cronin can elevate your foot health and help your feet feel their best.