2025, Vol. 8, Issue 2, Part B

Parents are delighted when their infant takes independent steps and begin walking unaided. Community child health nurse can be an initial source of information to allay parent anxiety if they are concerned about their child’s development. This article discusses issues around the assessment of toddlers legs, feet and gait that are relevant for community based nurses to consider when evaluating if toddlers are developing appropriately for age or if there is some variation that should be assessed further by a podiatrist or a physiotherapist or physician.

The paper reviews normal foot and leg development in addition to common leg and foot pathologies. Observation of toddler gait and variations such as in-toeing, out-toeing, toe walking, footwear, ingrown toenails, and foot or leg pain are then reviewed. The focus in the article is knowing what is normal, identifying variations and recognising when referrals for further investigation or assessment are indicated.