Have you noticed your child walking on their tiptoes? It’s a common habit that most kids outgrow, but for some, toe walking may be a sign of a more complex issue.
At Ahwatukee Foot & Ankle Center, our team specializes in pediatric foot care, including identifying and addressing foot and ankle issues that may be involved in an irregular gait. Here’s what parents should know about toe walking and what it could mean for your child’s development.
Toe walking isn’t generally a cause for alarm, especially in very young children who are still learning to walk. For most kids, this is a temporary phase that resolves on its own as their balance improves and they master a heel-to-toe gait.
However, if your child is still walking on tiptoe past age 2, it may warrant a professional evaluation. To help you determine whether it’s a passing phase or a cause for concern, keep an eye out for these other key signs:
In up to 80% of cases, toe walking resolves on its own by age 10.
Toe walking is often idiopathic, meaning the habit has no underlying medical or developmental cause. This diagnosis is typically made when toe walking persists, but isn’t accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
In some cases, a child’s anatomy may make it physically difficult for them to walk flat-footed. For example, some children are born with a shorter or tighter Achilles tendon, which can prevent their heel from touching the ground.
Even if a child’s toe walking begins as a harmless habit, it can lead to secondary musculoskeletal issues if left unaddressed. Over time, constant tiptoeing can cause the tendon and surrounding muscles to tighten.
Rarely, toe walking may be a sign of neurological issues such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy. While studies show that toe walking is more common in kids with autism, there is no direct link between the two.
A professional assessment provides valuable peace of mind and ensures your child’s feet and ankles are developing properly. During your appointment, we review their medical history and perform a physical examination and observe their movement to understand their walking pattern.
If we identify a physical issue, we can recommend a range of effective noninvasive treatments to correct it. Your child’s plan may include physical therapy, bracing, or custom orthotics to encourage proper foot placement.
For older children with severely restricted foot and ankle movement, surgery may be necessary to lengthen the Achilles tendon.
Our goal is to help your child develop a healthy heel-to-toe walking pattern and prevent long term complications. With a proactive approach, the majority of kids quickly show improvement and go on to walk without any issues.
Don’t leave your little one’s healthy foot and ankle development to chance. Schedule an appointment at Ahwatukee Foot & Ankle Center in Phoenix or Maricopa, Arizona, to make sure they’re on the right track.
