Toe walking

Toe walking is a pattern of walking where a person walks on the balls, or toes, of their feet. This is common in children who are learning to walk. However, persistent toe walking, beyond the toddler years, can be a sign of certain medical conditions, including cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and autism spectrum disorder.

Causes

Toe walking can be a habit that develops when a child learns to walk. In a few cases, toe walking is caused by an underlying condition, such as:

• Cerebral palsy: A disorder of movement, muscle tone, or posture that is caused by damage that occurs to the immature, developing brain, most often before birth.
• Muscular dystrophy: A group of genetic diseases characterized by progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass.
• Autism spectrum disorder: A serious developmental disorder that impairs the ability to communicate and interact.

Diagnosis

Toe walking is usually diagnosed during a physical examination. The doctor will ask about the child's developmental history and might also ask to see the child walk. If the child has been toe walking for a while, the doctor might order tests to rule out underlying conditions.

Treatment

Treatment for toe walking depends on the cause. If toe walking is a habit, physical therapy might help to change it. If toe walking is due to a physical condition, treatment might include:

• Physical therapy: This can help to stretch tight muscles and improve gait.
• Braces: These can help to stretch the calf muscle and encourage a normal gait.
• Surgery: If other treatments are not effective, surgery might be needed to lengthen the calf muscle or Achilles tendon.

See also

• Foot deformities
• Walking abnormalities

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