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Should my child be toe walking (walking on their tip toes) If your child is always tiptoeing, it's possible that there is a physical problem such as a short Achilles tendon that actually prevents them from standing flat-footed and limits their range of motion in the ankle. But consistent toe walking is more likely a sign of a motor disorder — most commonly, mild cerebral palsy. If this is the case, your child is toe walking because their Achilles tendons and calf muscles are too tight, which means her heel is pulled up and her toes are pulled down.
Some toe walking is termed as idiopathic toe walking. This is a catchall diagnosis that means the cause is unknown. Idiopathic toe walking may be associated with language delays and with certain forms of autism.
If your child has a physical problem such as a short Achilles tendon, treatment would probably begin with a program of stretching and an ankle-foot orthosis, or a custom orthotic. Your child wears the brace day and night until the problem is resolved. A process called serial casting (which involves using a series of casts to stretch and lengthen the tendon and increase the range of ankle movement) is also sometimes used. In select cases, surgery may be recommended; if your child exhibits signs of toe walking then it is well worth while having them assessed by Bayside Orthotic Clinic.
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Right foot toe walks |
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Last updated 02-Dec-2007
All information provided on this Web site is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for medical diagnosis, prognosis or treatment for any specific condition or individual.