Toe walking, walking on the balls of the feet, is a common condition in children up to 3 years of age. It is usually idiopathic, habitual, and it can also be hereditary.

 

In most cases, toe walking will resolve itself with no intervention. In rare instances, toe walking can be a sign of an underlying conditions such as muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy or autism. 

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For a child who presents with toe walking, our podiatrists would assess their gait, perform muscle testing (particularly of the posterior leg muscles), check calf size, do functional tests and neurological tests.

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Treatment for toe walking can involve simple, verbal cues that the parent/caregiver may use with the child to remind them to keep their heels down, stretching and strengthening regimes.