Functional Gait Disorder in Children

Functional gait disorder (FGD) is a condition that affects the way a person walks and moves. FGD is commonly diagnosed during childhood and causes issues with balance, coordination, and strength. This makes it difficult for children to do everyday activities like climbing upstairs or playing sports. At Peak Physical Therapy, we take pride in assisting patients to improve their health and quality of life with adult and pediatric physical therapy. Here’s a breakdown of functional gait disorder, its causes, and possible treatments for children experiencing FGD.

What is Functional Gait Disorder?

Functional gait disorder is a neurological condition that affects the way a person moves. It affects adults and children, but its effects are often more pronounced in children due to their developing bodies. Symptoms of FGD include:

• Difficulty walking, running, and jumping
• An awkward gait or abnormal posture
• Stiffness in the legs
• Difficulty turning corners or navigating uneven terrain
• Fatigue during physical activity

FGD presents itself in different ways, from balance issues to difficulty with coordination. This heavily limits their daily activities and has an impact on their development. With the help of physical therapy pediatric near me, patients have the opportunity to strengthen their muscles and ligaments.

Causes of Functional Gait Disorder

The exact cause of FGD is unknown, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of physical and mental factors. Physical causes may include muscle weakness and nerve damage due to disease or injury. Mental causes may include problems with focus and concentration, anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), or other emotional issues. In some cases, functional gait disorder stems from genetic conditions such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy. While experts are unsure of the exact cause of FGD, treatments are available, such as aquatic and pediatric physical therapy.

Treatment for Functional Gait Disorder

Physical therapy pediatric near me is one of the most common approaches to treating FGD. It helps strengthen muscles and increase flexibility while teaching patients how to move more efficiently and safely. Occupational therapy helps teach patients how to adapt to their environment so that it’s more conducive to their needs. In some cases, medications such as antidepressants treat underlying mental health conditions that contribute to functional gait disorder symptoms. Finally, assistive devices such as walkers and wheelchairs make life easier for patients.

Pediatric Physical Therapy For Functional Gait Disorder | Peak Physical Therapy

Functional gait disorder is a common condition that affects the way people move. It causes issues with balance, coordination, and strength, making everyday activities more difficult for those with the ailment. This is especially true for children whose bodies are still developing. The good news is there are treatments available to improve mobility and reduce symptoms associated with FGD. With proper diagnosis and treatment from experienced professionals from Peak Physical Therapy, those suffering from this condition experience significant improvements in their quality of life. Learn more about our pediatric physical therapy and other therapy services on our website.