Toe Walking in Children: When to Watch and When to Act
At Bondi Podiatry, we often get questions from concerned parents about their child walking on their toes. While toe walking is common in early childhood, it’s important to understand when it’s part of normal development—and when it may signal an underlying issue that needs podiatric attention.
What Is Toe Walking?
Toe walking is when a child walks on the balls of their feet or toes, with little or no contact between the heels and the ground. It’s often seen in toddlers who are just learning to walk and may occur intermittently in the early years.
In most cases, it’s a phase. But if it persists beyond age 2–3, or appears alongside other signs, it’s worth investigating further.
When Is Toe Walking Normal?
Toe walking is often:
Habitual: Some children just prefer walking on their toes out of habit.
Developmental: It can be part of the early walking pattern in toddlers.
Temporary: It may resolve on its own as the child grows and gains better balance and muscle control.
When to Seek Help
Toe walking may need further assessment if:
It persists past age 3
It’s constant (not just occasional)
The child can’t stand or walk with flat feet when asked
There’s stiffness in the ankle or Achilles tendon
One side is affected more than the other
It’s accompanied by signs of developmental delay, poor balance, or clumsiness
There’s a family history of conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, or muscular dystrophy
The Role of Biomechanics
Persistent toe walking can lead to or result from biomechanical changes, such as:
Tight calf muscles
Shortened Achilles tendons
Altered foot posture (e.g. high arches or pronation)
Impaired gait mechanics
These issues can cause discomfort, reduced range of motion, or long-term problems with walking and balance.
How Bondi Podiatry Can Help
At Bondi Podiatry, we take a gentle, thorough approach to assessing toe walking. We’ll look at your child’s:
Walking pattern
Muscle flexibility and joint mobility
Foot and leg alignment
Neurological and developmental cues
Footwear and play habits
Treatment depends on the cause and severity and may include:
Stretching programs to improve calf and Achilles flexibility
Custom orthotics to encourage heel strike and normal gait
Footwear advice tailored for support and comfort
Referral to allied health professionals like paediatric physiotherapists or occupational therapists if needed
We work collaboratively with parents, educators, and other health providers to ensure your child receives comprehensive care.
Concerned About Toe Walking?
If your child is toe walking consistently or past the age of 3, book a pediatric assessment with Bondi Podiatry. We’ll help you understand what’s going on and guide you with clear, age-appropriate solutions.
