How we correct tip toe walking in children and adults.
Tip Toe walking refers to a gait pattern where a person walks on their toes or balls of feet, without putting much if any weight through the heel or any other part of the foot.
Tip Toe walking in toddlers is common under the age of 3 and most of these children will grow out of this and adopt a normal walking pattern. If a child continues to toe walk they should be assessed by a podiatrist.
Habitual or idiopathic toe walking, where the cause is unknown. The child is physically capable to stand flat footed, they have always just walked on their toes.
Congenitally short or contracted Achilles Tendon.
Muscle spasticity (i.e Cerebral Palsy). Reflexes are increased and walking may be delayed.
Paralytic muscle disease (i.e Duchene Muscular Dystrophy). There will usually be large calf muscles and signs of muscle weakness. A serum blood test for a specific muscle enzyme level assists diagnosis.
Autism, as persistent toe walking may be an early sign of this condition.
In depth medical history reporting and comparing the normal age for stage child milestone developmental accomplishments.
Gait and range of motion assessment.
Depending on the cause of the toe walking, treatment may vary considerably.
Monitoring for idiopathic toe walking to see if the child “outgrows” the condition, with passive stretching, massage and desensitisation with increased sensory feedback to the heels of the feet.
Heel raises in the shoe that progressively reduce with a stretching regime and increased sensory feedback.
Carbon fibre plates may also be use inside the shoe to prevent tip toe walking in severe habitual cases.
Night splints, AFO braces or serial casting may be necessary, if there is a reduction in calf range of motion.
Botox therapy is used in severe cases to paralyse the calf muscles to prevent resistance to stretching, most often used with serial casting.
Surgical lengthening of the Achilles tendon may be necessary if conservative treatment fails. This is normally day surgery and done in conjunction with serial casting for 6 weeks and bracing.
Referral to a specialist for serious neuro-muscular disorders causing toe walking.
Well Heeled Podiatry has a range of treatment options for toe walker and can assess, diagnose and treat abnormalities of the lower limb, as well as ensuring you as a parent what is the appropriate age for stage developmental milestones.