Toe walking, also known as tip-toe walking, refers to a walking pattern in which a child walks primarily on their toes or the balls of their feet, with minimal or no contact between the heels and the ground. This gait pattern is often observed in young children who are learning to walk. However, if this walking pattern continues it can cause long term issues like poor balance, tight calves, or even problems standing with their heels flat on the ground.
What Causes Toe Walking?
Toe walking can have several causes, including:
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Flat Feet: Children with flat feet have poor balance and coordination. To combat this, they might raise on their toes to put their feet in a more stable position. Toe walking enhances the arch which creates a more stable foot (base) and temporarily improves the child's balance and stability. However, this is not normal and promotes improper muscle balance development and needs to be addressed.
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Short Achilles Tendon: A short Achilles tendon can prevent your child's heels from touching the ground.
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Sensory Perceptions: Check the surface your child is walking on. Maybe the child doesn't like the feeling of the cold tile or furry carpet and this exaggerates the symptoms.
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Vision Impairments: A short vision check with tracking and convergence can be helpful. Some children are required to go to vision therapy to strengthen their eyes. Many vision specialists say that they see a lot of kids toe walking with vision issues.
How Do Shoes Help?
While toe walking itself may not typically cause pain or limit activity in the absence of an underlying condition, if toe walking persists and is associated with an underlying issue or structural abnormality, it can potentially lead to complications that may cause discomfort or limit certain activities. Some possible complications include:
- Muscle imbalances and tightness
- Decreased ankle range of motion
- Stability and balance issues
To prevent these complications, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional if you notice your child is toe-walking. By identifying and managing any underlying causes or contributing factors, it may be possible to prevent or minimize potential complications and improve overall function and comfort.
What About Shoe Features?
When selecting a proper shoe for a child who toe walks, consider the following features:
- A firm heel counter to provide stability and prevent excessive ankle movement.
- Arch support to maintain proper foot alignment and promote a more natural walking pattern.
- A flexible sole for natural movement and flexibility of the foot.
It's important to note that shoes alone are not a primary treatment for toe walking. They can complement other interventions, such as physical therapy or orthotic devices, but the underlying cause should be addressed and managed appropriately. Consult with a healthcare professional, such as a pediatrician, physical therapist, or orthopedic specialist, is crucial for a proper evaluation and to determine the most suitable treatment options for each individual case.
Conclusion
Choosing the right shoes for a child who toe walks can be challenging, as each child's foot and body are unique. By providing them with supportive shoes and orthotics, the goal is to prevent toe walking and promote the habit of walking the correct way, heel to toe. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional, such as apediatrician, physical therapist, or orthopedic specialist, to identify the underlying cause of toe walking and to determine the most suitable treatment options for each individual case.
By taking a proactive approach and early intervention, the frequency and severity of toe walking can be reduced, and overall function and comfort can be improved for children who toe walk.
