Toe walking
Toe Walking
Toe walking (/toʊ wɔːkɪŋ/) is a pattern of walking where an individual walks on the balls, or toes, of their feet. This is a common practice among young children learning to walk, however, continued toe walking beyond the toddler years can be indicative of certain medical conditions.
Etymology
The term "toe walking" is derived from the English words "toe", referring to the digits found at the end of a foot, and "walking", which is the action of moving along by putting one foot in front of the other.
Related Terms
- Gait: The manner or style of walking. Toe walking is a type of gait.
- Muscle Spasticity: A condition that can cause toe walking due to muscle stiffness.
- Cerebral Palsy: A group of disorders affecting movement and muscle tone, which can result in toe walking.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder: Some individuals with autism may toe walk.
- Achilles Tendon: The tendon connecting the heel to the calf muscles. Shortened Achilles tendons can cause toe walking.
Causes
Toe walking can be idiopathic, meaning it has no known cause. However, persistent toe walking can also be a sign of certain neurological or muscular conditions, such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or autism spectrum disorder.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of toe walking is typically made through physical examination and observation of the individual's gait. In some cases, medical imaging or neurological testing may be used to rule out underlying conditions.
Treatment
Treatment for toe walking depends on the underlying cause. Physical therapy, including exercises and stretches, can often help to correct the gait. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Toe walking
- Wikipedia's article - Toe walking
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