If your toddler walks on their toes sometimes it is probably a part of learning to walk. If your toddler walks on their toes all the time or if they cannot put their heels on the ground, you should take them to see a paediatric physiotherapist. This is especially true if your toddler is over 2 years old.
At Physio Resource we help children with movement and development problems. Our team includes some of the Best Child Specialists in Lahore the Best Paediatric Physiotherapists in Lahore and experienced Female Physiotherapists. Our clinic is in Gulberg, Lahore. We follow international standards for taking care of children. Dr. Ahmed Bilal, who is an expert in rehabilitation and paediatric physiotherapy reviewed this article.
What Is Toe Walking?
Toe walking is when a child walks on the balls of their feet and does not let their heels touch the ground. Many toddlers do this when they are first learning to walk. It usually stops on its own. If a child keeps walking on their toes it might mean they have a muscle, nerve, bone or sensory problem that needs to be checked by a professional.
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Why Do Toddlers Walk on Their Toes?
There are reasons why a toddler might walk on their toes.
- Sometimes it is a normal part of learning to walk.
- Sometimes their calf muscles are too tight. Their Achilles tendon is too short.
- Sometimes they get used to walking on their toes and it becomes a habit.
- Sometimes they have trouble processing information.
- Sometimes their muscles are weak. They have poor balance.
- Sometimes they have a condition like cerebral palsy.
- Sometimes they have a condition like autism spectrum disorder.
Because there are many possible reasons it is important to get an accurate assessment before deciding on treatment.
When Should Parents Be Concerned?
You should take your child to see a physiotherapist if:
- They keep walking on their toes after they’re 2 years old.
- They walk on their toes most of the time.
- They cannot put their heels flat on the floor.
- Their calf muscles are too tight. Their ankles are too stiff.
- They fall down a lot. Have poor balance.
- They are not developing motor skills quickly as they should.
- They walk differently on one foot than the other.
If you catch the problem early you can help prevent problems with posture, walking, balance and muscle flexibility.
Can Toe Walking Cause Long-Term Problems?
If a child keeps walking on their toes and does not get treatment it can cause:
- Tight calf muscles.
- Stiff ankles.
- Trouble with balance and coordination.
- Foot. Tiredness.
- Abnormal walking.
- More risk of falling.
- Posture problems that affect the knees, hips and lower back.
If you get help early you can often prevent these problems.
How Can Paediatric Physiotherapy Help?
At Physio Resource we do an assessment to figure out why a child is walking on their toes. Then we make a treatment plan based on the child’s age, physical abilities and development needs.
The treatment plan might include:
- Stretching exercises to loosen up calf muscles.
- Balance and coordination training.
- Gait retraining to help them walk normally.
- Strengthening exercises to build up muscles.
- Sensory integration strategies to help with processing.
- Exercises for parents to do at home with their child.
- Regular check-ins to see how the child is progressing.
Our goal is to help the child walk normally and feel confident well as to support their overall physical development.
Do Not Wait for Your Child to “Grow Out of It”
Some toddlers might stop walking on their toes on their own. If it keeps happening you should not ignore it. The sooner you get an assessment the easier it is to figure out what is going on and start treatment. If your toddler keeps walking on their toes or you are not sure if their walking is normal you should make an appointment with a physiotherapist at Physio Resource in Gulberg, Lahore. Our team is dedicated to helping every child move comfortably and reach their full potential.
Schedule an Appointment
Contact us
Physio Resource
Phone No: 0304-4283442
Address: 93-A1, Gurumangat Road, Gullberg, III Lahore
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is toe walking normal in toddlers?
Yes, it is normal for toddlers to walk on their toes sometimes when they are first learning to walk. If it keeps happening after they are 2 years old you should get it checked out.
Can toe walking correct itself?
Some children might stop walking on their toes on their own. If it keeps happening, they might need to see a paediatric physiotherapist.
Does toe walking always mean autism?
No most children who walk on their toes do not have autism. There are reasons why a child might walk on their toes so you should get a professional evaluation.
How is toe walking treated?
Treatment might include stretching, strengthening, gait training, balance exercises and home programs. It depends on what’s causing the toe walking.
Where can I find the pediatric physiotherapist in Lahore, for toe walking?
Physio Resource, located in Gulberg, Lahore offers assessments and personalized treatment plans and Dr. Ahmed Bilal reviews the care.
