Toe walking in children
Toe walking in children means walking on the toes or the balls of the feet instead of flat feet. It is often a normal habit toddlers grow out of, though it can cause tight calf muscles. Fiona assesses children from 4 years old in an initial consultation from $100.
What toe walking is
Toe walking is when a child walks on their toes or the balls of their feet instead of placing the whole foot flat on the ground. Most children begin to walk between 9 and 18 months with their feet flat on the ground. Some children start walking on their tippy toes instead. When the cause is unknown, it is called idiopathic toe walking, and children usually grow out of it by 7 years old.
Symptoms
Idiopathic toe walking has a clear pattern. Your child may:
- Walk on tippy toes on both sides
- Be able to get their heels on the ground when you ask them
- Constantly balance on their toes
- Develop tight calf muscles over the years
- Find it difficult to get their heels on the ground
Causes and risk factors
The cause is usually unknown, which is what the word idiopathic means. Toe walking at this age is often just a way of walking that toddlers find comfortable. Some children continue to toe walk mildly into their adult years. In some cases, toe walking can be associated with a neurological condition such as a developmental condition.
Treatment at the clinic
Treatment at the clinic starts with an assessment of your child's walking pattern and calf muscles. She can provide stretching and strengthening programs for tight calves, footwear advice, and strapping and taping where it helps. She can refer your child for X-ray, ultrasound or MRI when needed, and refer back to your GP when needed. An initial consultation is from $100, and a standard consultation is from $90.
Looking after it at home
A podiatry-recommended calf stretch can be done at home with your child's knee straight. Bend the foot at the ankle joint towards the child's head, hold for 15 seconds and release. Repeat 30 times on each leg, at least twice a day, and stop if the stretch is painful for your child. Squats with the heels kept on the ground can help as well, 20 repetitions twice daily. An Achilles tendon stretch is another option: lie your child flat, bend the knee, and bring the foot upwards toward their head, holding for 20 to 30 seconds and repeating 15 times on each leg.
When to see a podiatrist
See a podiatrist when your child is not outgrowing toe walking by the expected age. Bring your child for an assessment when the toe walking happens on both sides and the calves have become tight enough that they struggle to get their heels down. Fiona also sees children whose toe walking sits alongside other foot or lower-leg concerns, such as flat feet or Sever's disease. Your GP is the right person to see when you are concerned about developmental delays or neurological signs, because those concerns need medical assessment rather than podiatry alone.
Questions
When do children stop toe walking?
Most children who toe walk for no known reason grow out of it by 7 years old. Some children continue to toe walk mildly into their adult years.
Is toe walking in toddlers normal?
Toe walking is often normal and is simply a way toddlers find comfortable to walk. It becomes a concern when your child keeps toe walking past the usual age or develops tight calves that stop the heels reaching the ground.
What exercises help a child who toe walks?
A podiatrist can give your child calf stretches, squats with the heels on the ground, and Achilles tendon stretches. Fiona provides stretching and strengthening programs as part of your child's consultation.