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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffWalking on the toes or the ball of the foot — also known as toe walking — is fairly common in children who are just beginning to walk. Most children outgrow toe walking by age 2. Kids who continue toe walking beyond the toddler years often do so out of habit. This is known as idiopathic toe walking. As long as your child is growing and developing normally, toe walking on its own in early childhood isn't likely cause for concern.
It's important to keep an eye on other signs and symptoms, however. For example, toe walking accompanied by lack of muscle coordination could indicate cerebral palsy. Toe walking may also be a sign of autism or other developmental disorders.
- Hoekelman RA, et al. Foot and leg problems. In: McInerny TK, et al. American Academy of Pediatrics Textbook of Pediatric Care. Elk Grove Village, Ill.: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2009:1528.
- Westberry DE, et al. Idiopathic toe walking: A kinematic and kinetic profile. Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics. 2008;28:352.
- Hemo Y, et al. Outcome of patients after Achilles tendon lengthening for treatment of idiopathic toe walking. Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics. 2006;26:336.
- McMulkin ML, et al. Comprehensive outcomes of surgically treated idiopathic toe walkers. Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics. 2006;26:606.
- Babb A, et al. Idiopathic toe-walking. South Dakota Journal of Medicine. 2008;61:53.
- Horowitz SH. Basic principles of electromyography. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 12, 2009.
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