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Toe Walking in Children

What is toe walking in Children?

Toe walking is the clinical description for when a child walks on the toes or ball of the foot without the heel or other parts of the foot coming in contact with the floor. This is an activity commonly seen in young children during the process of learning to walk and also during play, and is really only of clinical concern if this is a child's chosen method of walking occuring on a daily basis for an extended period of time. Sometimes there is an underlying pathological condition that can cause a child to walk on the toes, but not always.

What types of toe walking are there in Children?

Toe walking can be pathological (linked to an underlying pathology) or idiopathic (with no known cause, otherwise known as habitual). Some pathologies that have toe walking linked to them are:

  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Tendon shortening

    • What causes Toe walking in Children?

    Toe walking can be caused by several influencing factors:

    • Sensory seeking/avoidant behaviour

    Toe walking may result from your child trying to avoid the sensation of walking in a toe to heel fashion, or conversely they may be actively seeking the sensation of walking on their tiptoes.

    • Searching for increased stability due to muscular weakness

    Children with muscular weakness can have a shifted centre of gravity as a result, which can often be counterbalanced by going into a ‘Tiptoe’ position.

    • Shortened achilles tendons

    A shortening of the achilles tendon and a tightening of the calf muscles can cause the foot to become fixed in a ‘tip-toe’ position. This can be the result of an underlying condition or happen as a result of persistent habitual toe walking.

    • Dysfunctional neurological feedback

    Some children with neurological disorders will find it difficult to control their movements due to tonic (excessively high tone) reflexes.

    What Types of Orthotics Might Be Effective for Children who walk on their toes?

    Children's Orthotics are able to provide a range of orthoses to help with your child’s tiptoe walking depending on each child's specific needs, your orthotist might suggest:

    • Insoles

    For some children, the neurological feedback from an insole in their shoe is enough to encourage them to come down off tiptoes and utilise a more heel to toe walking pattern. For more information about different types of insole, please click here

    • Orthopaedic footwear

    Orthopaedic footwear is designed with biomechanics in mind - they are stronger than highstreet shoes - for more on orthopaedic footwear please click here

    • Ankle Foot Orthoses

    Ankle Foot Orthoses - or AFO’s - are a rigid plastic device that holds the foot in a more biomechanically sound way during gait. If worn at night, the AFO can help stretch the tight muscles while a child is sleeping. To learn more about AFO’s please click here

    What will happen at my child's assessment appointment?

    At your child’s assessment appointment you can expect your orthotist to ask questions about your child's medical history and daily activities, perform diagnostic tests and observe their gait. This analysis will allow them to conclude and discuss with you which type of orthotic input would be the most appropriate for your child based on their presentation, lifestyle and goals. This is also an opportunity for them to discuss pricings and take any casts and/or measurements they may need to create your childs ideal orthotic intervention.

    How can I get my child booked in with Childrensorthotics.co.uk?

    The first step towards getting your child’s treatment underway is to contact us at Children’s orthotics to get booked in for an initial assessment appointment. The best way to do this is to book online here, or to call us on 0330 088 3949 to speak to one of our friendly customer service advisors.

    If you would like any further information, you can complete the form below or email us office@orthotics.co.uk, and one of our team will be in touch.

    To get in touch or arrange an appointment, you can call us at 0330 088 3949 or email office@orthotics.co.uk.

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