Did you know that 7 to 24 children out of 100 walk on tiptoe?
At the age of 12-15 months, a toddler will try different foot positions during the early stages of walking. It is common for children between 10 and 18 months to try walking on their toes as it helps balance walking, but when they are 24 months old, we expect them to walk with their feet on the ground. If the child continues to walk on their toes, many possible underlying causes should be considered. Sometimes called habitual or behavioral, idiopathic toe gait occurs when a child walks on their toes for an unknown reason. This term is used for toe walking in a child who has been evaluated by a doctor and for which a medical cause has not been determined. Idiopathic toe gait is also common in healthy and typically developing children. We see that children exhibiting this gait stand on tiptoe on both feet and can step neutrally (flat against the ground) whenever they want. They may not even walk on their toes when wearing shoes. Toe walking can often be exaggerated when they walk barefoot from one room to another or when they walk on surfaces with increased tactile sensation (carpet, sand, cold tiles, grass, etc.). Typically, these children's Achilles tendons (heel cords) do not have tension in the early period and do not require surgical intervention, but expert opinion is still needed.
Can this walking cause foot or leg problems in the coming years?
Some children with early toe gait may develop tight (tense) Achilles tendons as they get older. This is called a contracture. When the contracture occurs, individuals will no longer be able to put their heels on the ground without tension. This tension can cause problems with how their feet and legs align, and flat feet (pes planus) and/or outward-turned legs are likely to develop when a person tries to maintain heel contact with the ground.
Many factors can cause toe walking in children. we said; these include:
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Tactile processing, increased response to tactile sensations
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No peeing proprioceptive processing (perceiving the body's position in space) ,
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Vestibular processing (maintaining balance) ,
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Visual processing ,
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Flexibility of the legs and legs, foot muscles,
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General body strength ,
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Family history: parents or siblings with a history of toe walking
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If there are other signs/symptoms, this may be associated with autism spectrum disorders.
Can idiopathic toe gait be treated?
Occupational therapy: It includes helping your child to synchronize with sensory integration intervention and learn his senses. For toddlers with idiopathic toe walking without Achilles tendon contractures, watching and waiting is an option. Some toddlers need to be taught how to stretch their legs, feet and toes. Some of these treatment options may be needed for preschoolers and older children with idiopathic toe gait with Achilles tendon contractures:
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Physical Therapy: Includes stretching, strengthening, gait training, and integration strategies.
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Orthotics:Plastic splints can be placed on the feet and ankles overnight to maintain the flexibility of the Achilles tendons. It may be recommended to be used during the day depending on the person.
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Plaster: May include a series of plaster models to stretch the Achilles tendons.
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Orthopedic Surgery:Involves a surgical procedure to lengthen the heel cord (Achilles tendon). It is mostly recommended when stretching the Achilles tendons has failed in other treatment interventions.
It is recommended that you talk to your physician and healthcare professional to learn about the treatment options that may be best for your child.
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