When the bottom of the foot is stroked from the heel to ball of the foot and across to the big toe in a ‘7’ motion, the toes will fan out, instead of curling in. This reflex is present at birth and integrates at 3 months. 

When retained, symptoms may include:

• Delayed walking (beyond 14 months)
• Awkward running
• Poor balance, tripping or falling
• Can’t press toes into the ground
• Difficulty with sports requiring balance and coordination while running
• Low back pain while walking or standing, sore shins, pain over the toes when wearing shoes
• Recurrent ankle sprains, flat feet, walking on the inside of the feet
• Frequent heel pain, calf pain or achillies tendinopathy