Toe walking is a condition where a person habitually walks on their toes or the balls of their feet, rather than with their heels on the ground. It is relatively common in infants and young children, but can also occur in older children and adults.
There are many possible causes of toe walking, including neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and autism spectrum disorder. Some people may also toe walk due to tightness or shortening of the calf muscles, or as a result of a foot or ankle deformity.
In some cases, toe walking may not cause any problems and may even resolve on its own over time. However, if toe walking persists beyond the age of 2 or 3, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, stiffness, or difficulty with balance or coordination, it is important to seek medical advice.
Treatment for toe walking may include physical therapy, stretching exercises, and wearing braces or special shoes to help correct the gait abnormality. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to lengthen or release tight muscles or tendons. The appropriate treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the toe walking and the individual’s age, health, and lifestyle factors.