Toe Walking can occur for a variety of reasons. Here are just a few reasons that a child may be walking on their toes: issues with the vestibular system, developmental or cognitive issues, orthopedic issues, and possible sensory issues. Figuring out where the toe walking stems from can be a challenge and often takes a team approach.
A few items to consider are as follows:
Is the child tripping or falling? How is this impacting their ability to walk, run, climb stairs, and play on the playground? Does this child have any tightness in the back of the leg or the ankles?
Please see this nice chart from the Inspired Treehouse:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/364510163569093497/
When assessing and working with children who walk on their toes, it is important to incorporate multiple body systems in the program. Balance, coordination, stretching, core strengthening, and sensory items should all be considered when thinking about how to best help the child normalize their walking ability.
Please see the attached link for a blog post from dino PT that offers some treatment strategies for toe walking:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/505247651932185002/
Follow up care with the child's pediatrician and a team approach for both assessment and treatment are the best ways to combat this issue.
Remember, team work makes a difference!
~Movement Matters- Whitney Carter PT, DPT
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