Habitual / Idiopathic Toe Walking

Tip toe walking is common whilst children are learning to walk, but this typically reduces when a heel toe pattern of walking occurs around the age of 3.​

Tip toe walking is part of walking development however it can persist in some conditions​.

• Child walks on their toe consistently or intermittently.​
• Child may complain of aches and pains in calf’s and reluctant to walk longer distances​
• Child may have tendency to trip/fall more that their peers​
• Child may develop tightness in their calf’s as a result of ongoing tip toe walking.​

There are various causes of toe walking including:

Habit – Idiopathic Toe Walking

The exact cause is unknown, but sometimes children can simply get into the habit of walking this way.  This is called Idiopathic Toe Walking and it is a condition where children with no medical cause walk on their tip toes.   It can lead to tightness in your child’s calf muscles.

There is no evidence that toe walking causes any detrimental effects long term in children or adults. 

A shortened Achilles’ Tendon 

A shortened Achilles’ tendon at the back of the heel forces the foot into a position where toe walking is more comfortable for the child.

If you are unsure as to why your child’s toe walking is persisting, please contact a medical professional for advice.

Prompting

If walking on tip-toes has become a habit, encourage and remind your child to walk heel-to-toe.

Exercises

Increasing flexibility by stretching the calf muscles can help. Build these calf-stretching exercises into your child’s daily routine and share with PE teachers and sports coaches.

Footwear

Stiff soled, supportive footwear such as high top trainers or boots may reduce your child’s toe walking.

Massage

Massaging the calves and applying heat may help with aches and pains felt.

Further assessment

If the tightness is severe your child may be referred for casting to stretch the muscles. However there is no evidence that this will resolve the problem long term.

If you child’s calf tightness worsens, and they are unable to stand with heels touching the floor, or do so whilst sticking their bottom out they may require further assessment.

In addition, if your child is developing symptoms in their upper limbs, or there is a difference in one side compared to the other, they may require further assessment.