Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of lifelong conditions affecting movement, posture and coordination, caused by damage to the developing brain before, during or shortly after birth. For many children, this shows up in the feet and legs as muscle stiffness (spasticity), altered walking patterns and challenges with balance — areas where podiatry can play a genuinely supportive role.
What is cerebral palsy and how does it affect the feet?
Cerebral palsy is not progressive (the underlying brain injury does not worsen), but its effects on muscles and joints can change as a child grows. Increased muscle tone leads to stiffness, which can make movement effortful and influence posture and balance. In the lower limbs this commonly presents as:
- Toe walking and tight calf muscles
- Altered foot position (such as turning in or out)
- Pressure areas from uneven loading or footwear
- Difficulty with stability when walking or running
Every child with CP is different, so management is always tailored to the individual.
How does Blueprint Podiatry assess and help manage cerebral palsy?
At Blueprint Podiatry in Tuggerah, our podiatry team works alongside families, paediatricians and allied health professionals as part of a child's wider care. Our three registered podiatrists each hold a Bachelor of Podiatry, Foot Mobilisation Therapy training and Level 1 Running Coach certification — meaning genuine, hands-on gait and movement analysis is central to how we assess your child.
Our approach to lower-limb care for CP may include:
- Detailed gait assessment to understand how your child loads, moves and balances
- Custom orthoses, designed using weightbearing 3D scanning and 3D-printed in-house so devices are matched to each foot — without external-lab delays
- Footwear guidance to support stability, accommodate orthoses and reduce pressure areas
- Pressure-area and skin care to keep feet comfortable and healthy
- Foot mobilisation therapy where clinically appropriate
A current systematic review of CP interventions highlights that the strongest evidence supports active, goal-directed and strengthening-based approaches [1], and muscle-strength training in children and adolescents with spastic CP has shown measurable benefit [2]. Where appropriate, we incorporate these principles into a plan that suits your child's goals and abilities. Podiatry care helps manage symptoms and support function — it is part of a team approach rather than a cure.
When should you see a podiatrist?
Consider an assessment if your child persistently toe walks, trips frequently, develops pressure marks or blisters, struggles with footwear, or if you simply want a clearer picture of their walking pattern. Early, ongoing support can make a real difference to comfort and confidence.
Citations
- Novak I et al. State of the Evidence Traffic Lights 2019: Systematic Review of Interventions for Preventing and Treating Children with Cerebral Palsy. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2020. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32086598/
- Merino-Andrés J et al. Effect of muscle strength training in children and adolescents with spastic cerebral palsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Rehabil 2022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34407619/
Medically reviewed by Matt Shanahan, registered podiatrist (AHPRA POD0001603396), Blueprint Podiatry.
Last reviewed: 21 June 2026.
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Frequently asked questions
Can podiatry help my child with cerebral palsy?
Yes — while podiatry doesn't treat the underlying brain injury, our team can help manage lower-limb symptoms such as toe walking, pressure areas and walking difficulties through gait assessment, custom orthoses and footwear advice, as part of your child's broader care team.
Do you offer NDIS funding for cerebral palsy care?
We support self-managed and plan-managed NDIS clients at standard NDIS rates. Please note we are not an NDIS-registered provider, so registered-only plans aren't eligible. Feel free to call us on (02) 4319 4004 to chat through your situation.
Are your orthotics made specifically for my child?
Yes. We use weightbearing 3D scanning and design patient-matched left and right devices, which are 3D printed in-house — so there's no external-lab delay and the orthoses are built around your child's individual feet.
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