Foot Drop in Children — A Parent's Guide to Support and Treatment
Discovering that your child has foot drop can feel worrying, especially if they are tripping, avoiding running or struggling with shoes and stairs. The reassuring part is that there are effective support options available, from physiotherapy and orthotics to lighter splints where these are clinically appropriate and available in a suitable size.
Written by Claire Williamson, Chartered Physiotherapist with extensive paediatric experience through Buzzy Bees Physiotherapy. Last updated: 26 May 2026.
Common causes of foot drop in children
Foot drop in children can have several causes. The right treatment depends on why the foot is dropping, whether the foot position is flexible, and whether muscle tone, sensation, balance or growth are involved.
- Cerebral palsy: one of the common reasons children need foot and ankle support. The NHS notes that physiotherapy, walking aids and orthoses can form part of cerebral palsy care.
- Hypotonia and hypotonic cerebral palsy: low muscle tone can make the ankle and foot less stable during walking.
- Peripheral neuropathy: nerve problems outside the brain and spinal cord can affect strength and sensation in the foot.
- Vincristine neuropathy: a chemotherapy-related neuropathy listed by OrthoPed as one of the conditions that may be improved through use of the splint, subject to healthcare advice.
- Post-surgical weakness: some children need support after orthopaedic or neurological surgery while walking is being rebuilt.
- Intermittent toe walking: some children alternate between typical walking and toe walking, which may need assessment if persistent or linked with other signs.
- Flexible pes planus: flexible flat feet can contribute to fatigue, altered foot position or instability in some children.
Signs to look for
Children do not always describe foot drop clearly. They may simply avoid activities that feel hard, or seem clumsy compared with their usual self. Look for patterns rather than one-off trips.
- Frequent tripping, especially when tired or rushing.
- Toes dragging or catching on the ground.
- An unusual walking pattern, such as lifting the knee higher or swinging the leg round.
- Reluctance to walk, run, climb or join in playground games.
- Catching feet on stairs or kerbs.
- Fatigue when walking further distances.
- Shoes wearing unevenly, or difficulty finding shoes that work with a brace or splint.
Treatment options for children
Physiotherapy and exercises
Physiotherapy may work on strength, range of movement, balance, confidence, gait practice and functional skills such as stairs, running and playground movement. Exercises should be playful and matched to the child's age and diagnosis.
Orthotics and AFOs
An ankle foot orthosis, or AFO, can support the foot and ankle, improve alignment and help with stability. Traditional AFOs can be very helpful, but they may also affect footwear choice and independence, so fit and review matter.
Lightweight splints
Lightweight options may suit some children, especially where the foot is flexible and the child needs help lifting the front of the foot during walking. The OrthoPed foot drop splint has paediatric study evidence, but parents should check current OrthoPed sizing and availability before assuming it is available for their child.
Lycra orthoses
Claire Williamson is certified to measure and provide DM Orthotics Lycra garments. Lycra orthoses may be considered for some children where posture, tone, alignment or movement control need broader support.
What the OrthoPed paediatric evidence shows
The OrthoPed splint was specifically tested with children through an Innovate UK-funded clinical study at the University of Portsmouth. Reported feedback highlighted comfort, discretion and practical use, but current size availability should be checked directly with OrthoPed before planning use for a child.
The splint is fitted with lace-up shoes or suitable Velcro-fastening shoes. That matters for school, play and confidence, because children often care deeply about whether their shoes and support look different from everyone else's. Published feedback also includes children reporting that they could put it on themselves, which may support independence where the child is clinically suitable and the right size is available.
"It feels more comfortable and doesn't rub or cause blisters"
Source: OrthoPed Children's Study
"Felt comfortable and looked discreet"
Source: OrthoPed Children's Study
"I don't feel it and can forget it is on"
Source: OrthoPed Children's Study
"I can put it on myself"
Source: OrthoPed Children's Study
"I can run with it on, I haven't run in months"
Source: OrthoPed Children's Study
"The OrthoPed splint gives her that improved confidence to walk"
Source: OrthoPed Children's Study
The OrthoPed splint is not suitable for every child. OrthoPed lists significant equinovarus or valgus, severe hypertonicity, weakness deformity and dominant toe walking as situations where the splint should not be used. Always check current sizing with OrthoPed and clinical suitability with your child's healthcare provider first.
About our children's physiotherapy service
Claire Williamson is a Chartered Physiotherapist and Director of Buzzy Bees Physiotherapy. She has extensive paediatric experience and provides children's physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, baby and child developmental assessments, EHCP physiotherapy reports, Lycra orthoses, equipment assessment and support for children with cerebral palsy, neurological conditions, musculoskeletal needs and post-surgery rehabilitation.
A paediatric assessment can look at your child's walking pattern, strength, range of movement, balance, footwear, school needs, play goals and whether a splint, AFO or Lycra orthosis may be appropriate. Visit Claire Williamson's profile to learn more.
Frequently asked questions
Can a child wear a foot drop splint at school?
Many children can wear a suitable foot drop splint at school, but the splint should be checked by the child's healthcare professional. Comfort, footwear, skin checks, PE, playtime and independence with putting it on all need to be considered.
How do I know if my child needs an AFO?
A child may need an AFO or other orthosis if their walking pattern, foot position, balance, trips, fatigue or muscle tone would benefit from external support. A physiotherapist, orthotist or medical team should assess this rather than choosing a brace based on symptoms alone.
Is the OrthoPed splint suitable for toddlers?
Suitability depends on the child's size, diagnosis, walking pattern, tone, foot position, ability to tolerate the splint and current OrthoPed size availability. Parents should check with OrthoPed and the child's healthcare provider before using the splint, especially for very young children.
Can children outgrow foot drop?
Some children improve as strength, nerve function or movement control develops, while others have long-term conditions that need ongoing support. The outlook depends on the cause, so assessment and regular review are important.
Need advice for your child?
Ask about paediatric foot drop support, OrthoPed suitability, or a children's physiotherapy assessment with Claire and the Buzzy Bees team.