Walking is such a fundamental part of our lives that we rarely think about how we do it. But for some, walking on their toes, aka “toe walking,” is a persistent habit.
And while it might seem like a harmless quirk, toe walking can sometimes signal underlying issues and lead to complications if left unaddressed. We at My Chicago Foot Expert want to help you prevent that, so let’s dive in.
Causes of Toe Walking
In a typical gait cycle, the heel makes contact with the ground first, but with toe walking, the ball of the foot makes initial contact. This can affect balance and can lead to muscle development, joint problems, and underdeveloped shins (along with general muscle imbalances). But what causes toe walking?
- Habit: Some children simply develop a habit of toe walking and often outgrow it with time.
- Muscle tightness: Tight calf muscles can restrict ankle movement and make it difficult to place the heel on the ground.
- Neurological conditions: In some cases, toe walking can be associated with neurological conditions like cerebral palsy or autism spectrum disorder. Studies have shown that approximately 9% of children with ASD exhibit toe walking, compared to less than 0.5% of children without ASD.
- Short Achilles tendon: If the Achilles is too short, it can restrict ankle movement and make it difficult to place the heel flat on the ground, which can force the person to walk on their toes. This can be a congenital condition or develop over time due to muscle tightness or scarring.
Treatment for Toe Walking
Treatment varies depending on the cause and the individual’s age. For young children, simply monitoring their development and encouraging them to walk heel-toe may be enough. But for adults, physical therapy can help improve ankle flexibility and muscle balance.
Orthotics can also provide support and encourage a more natural walking pattern. But, when muscle tightness or contractures are present, serial casting or bracing are options to stretch the calf muscles and improve the ankle’s flexibility.
Contact the knowledgeable team at My Chicago Foot Expert by calling (773) 561-8100 or by clicking here to schedule an appointment with Cook County podiatrist Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM, in our modern, comfortable Ravenswood location today.