Are you noticing that your child is older than 2 years and still walking on their toes, rather than taking heel-to-toe steps? There are a few ways to interpret this.

On one hand, your child may be a few steps away from outgrowing toe walking. On the other hand, they may be establishing a habit or showing signs of developmental challenges that could benefit from personalized support.

What Is Toe Walking?

Toe walking is when a child persistently walks on the balls of their feet with their heels never touching the ground. This type of gait is common among children learning how to walk, and most children outgrow it. 

Toe walking is usually no cause for concern if children continue to grow and reach other developmental milestones at a steady, gradual pace. However, if a child continues tiptoeing past 2 years old, they may benefit from professional support. You will be able to understand the cause of your child’s toe walking and receive a personalized plan for building heel-to-toe walking skills.

Common Causes of Toe Walking

If your child is still walking on the balls of their feet past age 2, toe walking may only be a habit, but it could also indicate the presence of an underlying medical condition that could respond well to an expert’s support. Here are some common causes of toe walking:

  • Habit
  • Muscle tightness in the legs
  • Tendon stiffness in the calves and ankles
  • Delayed muscle coordination
  • Sensory processing disorder (SPD)
  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Cerebral palsy

What Happens if Toe Walking Goes Untreated?

If toe walking past the age of 2 goes untreated, your child may start encountering challenges in their day-to-day activities. Here are a few signs to look out for:

  • Experiencing frequent trips or falls
  • Displaying decreased balance, coordination, and flexibility
  • Struggling with wearing shoes
  • Facing challenges when participating in sports
  • Complaining about feeling pain in the feet, ankles, legs, or lower back

When Should I Contact a Pediatric Care Professional?

When your child walks on their toes and is older than 2 years old, you should seek guidance from a pediatric specialist. Whatever the cause may be, it is beneficial to talk with a pediatrician or pediatric therapist to receive professional support for empowering your child as they outgrow toe walking. 

Reach Out to First Steps for a Free Consultation

To guide your child from tiptoeing to heel-to-toe walking, our expert team of therapists here at First Steps Pediatric Therapy can lead the way to success. Call us today at (700) 900-7432 to receive more information or schedule your free 15-minute free screening.