Does your child always seem to be walking on their tip toes? While this might seem cute at first, toe walking beyond a certain age can indicate underlying physical causes that need attention. If your child is toe walking, physical therapy offers proven ways to help them develop a healthy, effective walking pattern.

At Let’s Communicate, our pediatric physical therapists help children overcome toe walking with fun, engaging activities. In today’s blog post, we’ll cover what exactly toe walking is, what can happen if it’s left untreated, and how physical therapy can address it.

What Is Toe Walking?

Toe walking is a walking pattern where a child primarily walks on the balls of their feet, with little or no contact between their heels and the ground. It’s a common phase for toddlers who are just learning to walk, but most children naturally outgrow it by age 2 or 3.

Some kids, however, continue to walk this way past the expected age. This may be due to habit, tight muscles, or an underlying medical condition.

Signs Your Child Is Toe Walking

It can be easy to miss toe walking if you don’t know what to look for. Some signs include:

  • A noticeable absence of heel contact with the ground while walking
  • Difficulty standing flat-footed
  • Frequent tripping or unsteady gait
  • Complaints of tightness in the calves or discomfort in the feet

Why Early Treatment Matters

Left untreated, toe walking can lead to a range of issues over time. For example, persistent toe walking can shorten the calf muscles and the Achilles tendon, which can lead to discomfort and reduced flexibility. It can also make it more difficult for kids to maintain their stability when walking or running, which can lead to an increased risk of accidents.

Over time, walking on the balls of the feet can place unnecessary stress on the feet, ankles, and knees and potentially lead to pain or joint problems. If toe walking continues beyond the age of 2–3 or becomes more frequent, it’s a good idea to consult a pediatric physical therapist for an evaluation.

How Physical Therapy Can Help

Pediatric physical therapy is a highly effective way to address toe walking and help kids develop a proper heel-to-toe gait. Our physical therapists can help your child overcome toe walking through:

  • Stretching and Strengthening: We can guide children through stretches to improve their flexibility. We can also do strengthening exercises for the ankles, legs, and core to build stability and support a healthy walking pattern.
  • Gait Training: We can use hands-on techniques and verbal cues to teach kids how to properly place their feet when walking. Then we can reinforce what your child learns with fun activities like walking on stepping stones.
  • Orthotics: In some cases, we may recommend custom orthotics to support your child’s proper foot alignment and reduce tightness in their calves.

Let’s Give Your Child the Support They Need to Thrive

At Let’s Communicate, we’re committed to providing the care your child needs to succeed. We use play-based therapy to make learning to walk the right way a fun experience.

If you’re concerned about your child’s toe walking, we’re here to help. Give us a call at (678) 963-0694 to schedule an evaluation today, and let’s work together to help your child walk with confidence.