How Podiatrists Treat Toe Walking in Children

If you’ve noticed your toddler or school-aged child constantly walking on their tiptoes, you might think it’s just a phase. While many kids do go through a brief period of toe walking when they are first learning to navigate the world, it can become a concern if it persists past the age of two.

If your child rarely lets their heels touch the ground, here’s how we at Goldsmith Podiatry step in to help correct this habit.

Identifying the Root Cause of the Toe Walking in Children

Before any treatment begins, a podiatrist will perform a thorough evaluation. They want to see if toe walking is idiopathic, just a habit, OR if there is a true physical limitation. We do this by gently moving your child’s foot to check the range of motion in the ankle.

 If the Achilles tendon is physically too short or tight, your child might literally be unable to pull their foot up high enough to land on their heel. No matter the cause, once it’s identified, we devise a customized plan to encourage a more natural gait.

Here are some strategies we lean on.

Specialized Stretching and Physical Therapy

The first line of defense is usually a focused stretching routine. Since the calf muscles and the Achilles tendon are often tight in toe walkers, you will be given specific exercises to do with your child at home.

This physical therapy is framed as fun games to keep your child engaged, and the goal is to gradually lengthen the tissues so that a heel-to-toe stride becomes physically comfortable and effortless for them.

Using Custom Orthotics and Bracing

Sometimes, a child needs a physical reminder to stay flat-footed, so podiatrists often prescribe custom orthotics that fit right inside your child’s shoes. These inserts can be designed with a slight heel lift or a specific shape that makes it uncomfortable or difficult to pop up onto the toes.

In more persistent cases, an Ankle-Foot Orthosis might be used, which is a lightweight brace that holds the foot and ankle at a 90-degree angle. This prevents the tiptoe position and trains their brain and muscles to walk correctly.

The Role of Serial Casting

If the calf muscles are tight and stretching isn't working fast enough, we might suggest serial casting. This involves applying a series of leg casts over several weeks, with each new cast moving the foot into a slightly more stretched position.

It is a highly effective, non-surgical way to create a permanent change in the length of the tendon.

Correct Pediatric Toe Walking Today

Long-term toe walking can lead to permanent changes in the foot structure, widened forefeet, and even knee or back pain as people get older.

Address your child’s toe walking today to improve healthy, functional steps for their future.

If you’re looking for more foot care tips, give us a call at (212) 877-1002 so Dr. Howard Goldsmith, Dr. Rosanna Troia, and Dr. Kristina T. Ruff at Goldsmith Podiatry can help guide you in the right direction.