Toe walking

Toe-walking is a form of gait in which the individual places more pressure than is usual on the toes or ball of the foot and less than is usual on the heel. In more severe forms of the condition the heels may not touch the floor at all. 

Toe-walking is very common in small children as they first learn to walk and is usually of no significance at this stage.

By the age of two, however, most children have developed more normal foot posture. Some children do toe-walk after this age simply from habit, but in others there may be an underlying abnormality such as tight calf or leg muscles or a neurological problem.

Many children who toe-walk require no treatment, but if you are concerned that your child may have a significant gait abnormality you should seek an opinion from your GP or an Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Specialist.