Quick guide
This page provides general health information and does not diagnose an individual condition. Persistent, worsening or concerning symptoms should be assessed by an appropriately qualified health professional.
This page provides general health information and does not diagnose an individual condition. Persistent, worsening or concerning symptoms should be assessed by an appropriately qualified health professional.
Understanding the problem
Toe walking describes walking without the heel making normal contact with the ground. It can be transient in early walking or persist for a range of reasons.
Possible contributing factors
- Normal variation during early walking
- Idiopathic toe walking
- Calf or Achilles tightness
- Habit or sensory preference
- Neurological, muscular or developmental conditions in some children
What can you do?
- Notice whether the child can voluntarily place the heels down.
- Observe whether toe walking is on both sides or only one.
- Mention persistent toe walking at routine health reviews, especially beyond the early walking years.
- Treatment depends on cause and may involve observation, exercise, physiotherapy, casting, bracing or specialist care.
When not to wait
Assessment is particularly important for one-sided toe walking, new onset after previously normal walking, weakness, frequent falls, loss of skills, pain or other neurological/developmental concerns.
Assessment is particularly important for one-sided toe walking, new onset after previously normal walking, weakness, frequent falls, loss of skills, pain or other neurological/developmental concerns.
The Footpath Health approach
Footpath Health is designed to help you move from a symptom or question toward an appropriate next step without pretending that an online article can make an individual diagnosis. Sometimes that next step is self-management; sometimes it is podiatry, physiotherapy or GP assessment; and sometimes imaging or specialist care is appropriate.
Still not sure what the right next step is?
Tell Footpath Health what is bothering you and we can help guide you towards the most appropriate type of healthcare professional.
Start the Footpath Health assessment →