Family lore has it that my brother-in-law was still walking on his toes around age 4, so his worried mother took him to the pediatrician. After examining him, the doctor explained that everything was fine, there was nothing to worry about. His mother asked, \u201cBut when will he stop?\u201d The doctor turned to the tippy-toed kid and bellowed, \u201cStop walking on your toes right \u2026 now!\u201d The boy was so scared he did.<\/p>\n
While we practice pediatrics more gently these days, toe walking is still something that understandably concerns parents. However, it\u2019s usually not something to worry about!<\/p>\n
When babies learn to walk, many start off walking on their tippy-toes. They usually stop by ages 2 to 3 as they get stronger and used to how it feels to have their feet flat on the ground.<\/p>\n
Toe walking can be a hard habit to break for some kiddos, but in time \u2026 they learn to walk flat-footed. As long as they\u2019re growing and developing normally, there\u2019s usually nothing to be concerned about.<\/p>\n
However, you should let your pediatrician know if your child is still walking on their toes past their 2nd birthday. They will examine your child and discuss their medical history with you.<\/p>\n
We\u2019d be more concerned if your child is toe walking and:<\/p>\n
Very rarely persistent toe walking can indicate a problem (such as cerebral palsy, a spinal cord abnormality, or muscular dystrophy), but most of the time it doesn\u2019t. Sometimes it may be caused by tight calf muscles and tendons. But usually we never find out why a child is still walking on their toes \u2013 this is called \u201cidiopathic toe walking.\u201d<\/p>\n
Toe walking can also simply be a habit. If your child is growing and developing normally, in most cases there\u2019s nothing to worry about.<\/p>\n
How is toe walking treated?<\/strong><\/p>\n There are different types of treatment, depending on the cause. If toe walking is caused by a:<\/p>\n In very unusual cases when a child is still toe walking into childhood, and has tried all the other options, surgery may be needed. Your pediatrician will help guide your child\u2019s care and connect you to specialists, if needed.<\/p>\n In the most common case \u2013 when we don\u2019t uncover the cause of toe walking or it\u2019s caused by a habit \u2013 it just needs time to be outgrown and isn\u2019t a long-term problem.<\/p>\n We do know that children who were habitual toe walkers don\u2019t have problems walking or running as older kids and adults. So the only treatment for this is observation and gentle reminders from you to walk flat-footed.<\/p>\n\n