Toe Walking affects 7-24% of children. Toe walking beyond 2 years requires a medical assessment.
Toe walking is common in early walkers as their muscles develop and feet adapt to new tactile sensations. However, if your child continues to toe walk at two years of age a medical assessment is needed. The majority of toe walkers improve with monitoring, stretching, bracing or splinting.
More complex conditions such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, club foot and autism require closer inspection and referral to paediatricians or occupational therapists.
We have found toe walking to be common in children with:
- Delayed motor development i.e. they do not reach the normal milestones for crawling, walking
- Premature babies (<37 weeks)
- A family history
Our team use an assessment tool to help assess your childs toe walking and choose the best treatment option. We refer to paediatricians and occupational therapists when we suspect a more intensive assessment is needed.
Call us now to make an appointment with a Bigfoot podiatrist who specialises in Children at our Northcote or Howick Clinic.
