Toe Walking
What is toe walking?
Toe walking is when a child walks on their tip toes or the balls of their feet, rather than using a typical heel-toe gait pattern. It would look like your child is tiptoeing with their heels not touching the ground. This walking pattern may occur consistently or intermittently.
Why might my child toe walk?
Sensory processing dysfunction:
Some children may seek or avoid certain sensory inputs.
Vision dysfunction:
Visual issues can affect a child’s gait.
Musculoskeletal involvement:
Tight muscles or structural differences can lead to toe walking.
Neuromotor involvement:
Conditions affecting muscle tone or movement control can contribute to this walking pattern.
Why should toe walking be addressed?
Toe walking is never considered a “normal” walking pattern. If toe walking persists past age 2, it may lead to:
Further sensory processing challenges
Vestibular dysfunction - Issues with balance and spatial orientation
Impaired body awareness
Visual processing challenges
Impaired balance - Difficulty maintaining stability.
Poor posture
Pain
Ankle instability
Early intervention such as receiving therapeutic treatment or serial casting, can prevent the need for more invasive treatments later such as Botox Injections to relieve tight muscles or surgery to lengthen the Achilles tendon.
Explore Related Therapies
Speak With a Therapist
Who Treats Toe Walking?
At Hummingbird Pediatric Therapies, we use an integrated approach with both occupational therapy and physical therapy interventions to address the underlying cause of toe walking.
What does the process look like?
How OT Can Help
Sensory Integration is often key to reducing idiopathic toe walking. OT incorporates multi-sensory strategies throughout your child’s daily routine to fulfill their sensory needs and reduce the need to seek additional input by walking on their toes.
OT intervention(s) may address:
- Tactile input
- Proprioceptive input
- Vestibular input
- Visual processing
- Primitive reflex integration
- Body awareness, regulation, and/or arousal level
How PT Can Help
PT addresses musculoskeletal and neuromotor components that may be related to the shortening of muscles or abnormal tone.
PT interventions may address:
- Stretching
- Strengthening
- Balance
- Alignment
- Postural Control
- Electrical Stimulation
- Soft Casting or Serial Casting
Get Started Today
If you notice your child walking on their toes, don’t wait to seek help! Our team of experienced therapists at Hummingbird Pediatric Therapies is here to provide the support and interventions your child needs to achieve a healthy, natural gait.
Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and start your child’s journey towards improved mobility and confidence!