Toe-Walking in Children

11 Apr Toe-Walking in Children

Is your toddler walking, running and playing around on his tippy toes? 

It is very common for new walkers and toddlers to walk and run around with tippy toes once in a while. So, the question is when and why do we need to seek help from a health professional? 

When to Seek Help: 

• If your child continues to walk on their toes after the age of 2 

• If your child has difficulty walking or standing on their heels 
• If your child is experiencing pain or discomfort in their legs, feet, or back 
• If your child has difficulty running, jumping, or playing 
• If your child is struggling with balance or coordination 

Why Seek Help: 

1. Identifying underlying conditions: Toe walking can be a symptom of underlying conditions such as cerebral palsy, autism, or muscular dystrophy. Health professionals can assess your child and determine if there is an underlying condition that is contributing to toe walking. Sometimes, there is no known cause of toe walking and it is known as the idiopathic toe walking. 

1. Improving gait: Toe walking can lead to muscle tightness and weakness in the legs, feet, hips and back, which can impact your child’s gait that can affect their ability to do physical activities that challenge balance and agility.  Health professionals can design an individualized exercise program to help improve your child’s gait and prevent the development of any long-term problems. 

1. Preventing complications: Toe walking can put stress on the bones, joints, and muscles, which can lead to pain, discomfort, and injury. Health professionals can provide hands-on therapy and support to prevent these complications from occurring. 

There is plenty of help available for you and your toddler if you are concerned. A physiotherapist can be a great resource to assess and manage any musculoskeletal, neurological or idiopathic causes of toe walking.  

Given below are a few exercises that can help your toddler: 

• Walking on heels, toes, and flat feet 

                           This exercise will help strengthen the ankle and foot muscles and improve balance. 

• Walking on a balance beam or cushion 

                          This exercise will challenge your child’s balance and stability. 

• Crawling 

                          This exercise helps strengthen the core muscles, which play a crucial role in maintaining good posture and balance. 

• Sit on a stability ball 

                         This exercise helps improve core strength and balance. 

• Play with a wobble board 

                         This fun exercise will challenge your child’s balance and stability while strengthening their core muscles. 

With the right exercises and support, your child can improve their gait and walk with a more confident stride. A physiotherapist can design an individualized exercise program for your child as well as provide hands-on therapy like massage and stretching to help improve muscle length. A physiotherapist can assess any underlying conditions that may be contributing to tippy toe walking and provide guidance on how to manage these conditions. 

If you know someone who can benefit from the expert eye of a physiotherapist then don’t wait, schedule an appointment with our pediatric physiotherapist today and take the first step towards a happier, healthier toddler.