It’s not uncommon for kids to walk on their toes upon first earning their badge of mobility. But, if they are still walking on tiptoe “after about 1½ to 2 years of age, it’s time to talk to your pediatrician,” says Heather Hancak, physical therapist at Frisco’s Our Children’s House at Baylor.
Why? While it might seem benign, toe walking can be a sign of underlying developmental challenges.
“Toe walking is sometimes a simple habit formed during early development (with no know cause),” explains Hancak, “or it can signify sensory integration challenges, as well as possible neurological or muscular diseases.”
A therapist will examine the child’s range of motion in the legs and ankles. “If a child is lacking flexibility and shin strength, this could be a sign of a more serious problem.”
And depending on a child’s age and the severity of toe walking, therapy can include strength training, at-home motion exercises or even braces that can be worn to help retrain gait patterns, says Hancak, who adds, “Addressing the problem early is key to retraining the legs.”
