Toe walking is when an individual frequently walks on their toes or on the ball of their feet. This atypical walking pattern (not walking in a heel to toe pattern) may be caused from an underlying health condition, injury, or sensory sensitivity. Toe walking is frequently occurs in children under 2 years of age and will typically stop without medical intervention. However,  if toe walking persists into toddler years and beyond, it may be time to see the advice of a medical professional. 

If Your Child Is Over 2 Years Old And Is Toe-Walking

As we mentioned above, toe walking is normal for children under 2 years of age. If toe walking persists beyond 2 years of age, and especially if toe walking increases in frequency, there may be underlying physical weaknesses, sensory issues, or a combination of both. It's important to address these issues early in order to hopefully prevent medical intervention (such as therapy or surgery) or shorten the duration of medical intervention.  Typically the earlier the issue is addressed, the easier it is to address.

Conditions That May Contribute to Toe Walking include:

• Weak Muscles
• Tight Heel Cord
• Neurological condition
  
• Sensitivities to surfaces/textures

Medical Treatment for Toe Walking

• Physical Therapy
• Surgery
• Braces
• Serial Casting

Exercises For Treating Toe Walking

• Penguin walking
• Heel strengthening exercises (such as heel pulls on a scooter)
• Walking on inclined surfaces, such as a ramp
• Exercises to strengthen calf muscles and tibia anterior muscles
• Gentle and consistent stretching *quick tip* You can do stretches in the bathtub when muscles are relaxed.
• Decrease sensory issues: Walk on different surfaces (textures, heights) as well as muscles massages with different materials such as a towel.