Toe walking in children: A cause for concern?

Should I be concerned that my 6-year-old constantly walks on her tiptoes? What causes toe walking?

- Annette / Texas

Mayo Clinic pediatrician Jay Hoecker, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.

Answer

Toe walking is not unusual in younger children who are just beginning to walk and otherwise growing and developing normally. However, toe walking after age 3 years should be evaluated by a doctor.

In many cases, toe walking in older children is simply a habit and not a sign of an underlying problem. Doctors refer to this as idiopathic toe walking. But toe walking accompanied by other signs and symptoms may be due to a serious underlying condition, such as cerebral palsy or autism.

Talk to your doctor about your child's toe walking. Your doctor may recommend an evaluation, including a neurological examination and testing for language and other developmental delays. If the results of these exams are normal, your child won't need treatment and will most likely outgrow her toe-walking habit.