Toe Walking
By: Audrey Hulette PT, DPT
What causes toe Walking?
Toe walking occurs when someone walks on their toes or the ball of their foot rather than making contact with their heel first. In most children, toe walking is idiopathic, which means the exact cause is unknown. Other times the child may have an underlying diagnosis such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, autism, or other neurological disorders. Some children may be "sensory seekers" and are looking for increased sensory input by walking on their toes.
When to Seek treatment
If toe walking persists beyond a child learning to walk, then physical therapy can step in to help improve range of motion, address muscle tightness, and improve their gait (walking) mechanics. This can help improve a child's ability to play with friends and participate in extracurricular activities.
Physical therapy methods that can help
Hogg Therapy is here to help! Here are a few ways our physical therapists address toe-walking:
- Walking with ankle weights
- Carrying weighted balls
- Walking backward
- Walking up or squatting on an incline
- Climbing a slide
- Penguin walks
play-based therapy
Our physical therapists enjoy using creative activities, like games, when working with their patients. Below, two brothers who are working to reverse their toe walking play a game called "Hedbanz" with two PTs, with different challenges built in relating to their treatment. In one round, each player had to balance on one foot while taking their turn. We know how to make therapy fun while still working hard!
How we can Help
If your child has developed a habit of toe walking, a physical therapist may be able to help! Give us a call at 859-353-3666 to get your child scheduled for a physical therapy evaluation.
