Why Do Some Children Walk on Their Toes?
Toe walking can happen for a few different reasons.
- Retained habit of walking on their toes when they are first learning to walk.
- Tight calf muscles.
- Sensory reasons – they get a lot of sensory input from being on their toes, but also avoid sensory input on the sole of their foot.
- They are still developing strength/coordination/muscle balance.
For many children, toe walking gradually improves as they grow and gain better control of their muscles and balance. However, if a child consistently walks on their toes, cannot easily put their heels down, or begins to develop tightness in their legs, it is important to have their walking pattern assessed. It is much easier to treat before a strong habit combined with muscle tightness develops!
A physiotherapist can look at your child’s strength, flexibility, balance, and movement patterns to better understand what may be contributing to toe walking. From there, they can guide families with strategies and activities that support more comfortable and efficient walking.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
Physiotherapy often focuses on playful but meaningful exercises and everyday activities that encourage children to get their heels down and improve leg strength and flexibility. Often many muscles in the lower extremity can contribute to imbalances, not just the ones around the ankle and foot.
Some activities may include calf stretching, squatting during play, or fun movement games like bear and duck walking. These exercises help strengthen their leg muscles, improve ankle movement, and increase body awareness. In some cases, your physiotherapist may also recommend orthotic supports, footwear adjustments, or additional interventions like serial casting or night splints if extra support is needed.
If you notice your child walking on their toes, an early assessment can help identify the cause and provide strategies to support healthy movement as they grow.
