I'm 43 years old and have been walking on my toes since I could. I'm 6ft tall 250lbs now, but was a state champion wrestler, 800m and 400m state qualifier in track and played offensive guard (165lbs, lol) and defensive end for my High School football team. I was incredibly fast, and had an explosiveness unmatched by few. Rode jet skis in the Colorado River for over 2 decades almost every day of every summer. NEVER had a sprained or broken ankle, NEVER any achilles issues. I do remember the doctors who told my Mom that I would be deformed for life and the $$$ they took. All the wedges, braces, stretches, physical therapy school visits I went through was for nothing. Also.. I did receive a lot of torment in school, ballerina boy, tippy toes, to stay PG.. All that social stigma did was force me into playing sports, because I WAS FAST AND POWERFUL and the toe teasing actually gave me motivation to rise above. Remember parents what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
My 3 year old son has Autism and I love him dearly. Your story gives me hope he can be a happy adult when growing up. Also I’m also a combat sports fan, currently doing MMA and Jujitsu competitions. I hope my son does wrestling. 😅
I get the same treatment as well although I wasn't made fun of in school when I was young. Though now a days I am. Whenever I'm outside I feel as though I have to at least try to walk little ways flat but I physically can't. Some ppl go so far as to make a scene out of it. I never was one with the crowd, but whenever I walk outside and see other people walking flat it kind of makes me feel alienated sometimes. But hearing your story and seeing how you were made fun of but you didn't want to get to you and use it as motivation could actually help me as well.
Right been walking that way since I was a kid and have no problem if anything want to bounce off walls like werewolf hunting lol or take off running like a dog on two legs
I'm autism and that was hurting more and more, but I resolve it with stretching so quickly! that was amazing ! At 34years a kinesiology finally explained to me how to exercises on a stair all by miself, it's easy : I put my feet on the edge of a stair, then let my body go up on my toe, and down with my heel really down to stretch behind my leg, and I do that just 8second each and repeat a few time slowly, with my body straight, fix a point in front, while holding the banister by security, that's so easy and efficient!
In our clinic, for conservative care, we implement a nighbrace that passively stretches the area, over a longer period of time, while your body is in its rest/repair cycle. Sounds like what you are doing has a similar objective. Glad to hear you have found an onging process to address this condition. Thank you for watching our video.
I did toe walking all the way into adulthood. It was a very difficult habit to get out of. I also had a very bad day dreaming habit as well that might have been related.
Thanks for your comment, toe walking can be a difficult issue to deal with in our children and can cause issues as we transition into adulthood. Thanks again, Dr. Jarman
Honestly I'm a father of 3 who grew up toe walking and though I rarely do it now my kids have taken it up. When i was young i took so much pain adapting to what the doctors wanted me to try. I'll be dam if i put my kids through that , the best thing I've seen is help your kids or yourself how to relearn walking. Take 4 hours out of your day and dedicate it to them or yourself , it may be hard or even frustrating but it will help. Retraining the mind is a timely task but when dont right it will adapt.
I would also like to learn the tips.. my 3 years old is habitual toe walker.. if we ask him to keep heels down.. he do only for second and then will forgot..can you please share some tips..
@@MsSanne81 When you see your kid walking on his toes constantly remind him that his feet are going to break. I know it may sound mean or cruel but imprinting that in the childs mind reminds them not to do it because it sound like it would hurt more oppose to walking on their toes. My son is 2 soon to be 3 and we are constantly telling him, " put your feet down or the monsters going to get you." Or " don't put your feet up or they'll break." It's not the nicest way to approach the situation but believe me it works waay better than doing what the doctors say about having them do exercises and then watching your child cry theirselves to sleep every night because their muscles on their poor legs are hurting so bad.
Hello Diego Santos and thanks for your comments! Toe walking is so frustrating for parents and the child. In clinic we follow specific protocols based on the child's age and actual underlying cause of toe waling. Parents get a lot of mixed outcomes because of improper diagnosis and poor recommendations. This is why it is so important to see a doctor that actually see's kid, knows the condition well and regularly performs surgery. No (good) doctor wants to do surgery and will always educate you regarding the proper treatment protocols. Best wishes! Dr. Jarman
You need to do your research don't abuse your kids because you don't like how they walk the biomechanics dictate that heel first walking is improper it causes knee,hip, and back problems humans are meant to toe walking your heel like the knee both bend to be natural shock absorbers
I’m 14 and I do this. My parents as well as my relatives often scold me for toe walking but they don’t get how hard it is to quit. As someone who plays sports and has a high foot arch, toe walking has helped me a lot in maintaining balance. I just wish my parents could understand me
Hello Manahil and thanks for your comments. A lot of children struggle with toe walking. Its wonderful that you are able to participate in sports and athletic activities. If you do start to struggle with discomfort or pain in the ball of your foot, please see a specialist that deals with toe walking so you can get the best up to date advice and treatment. Dr. Jarman
I have walked like that all my life with no pain or health problems, just a lot of bullying. But I was still the fastest, even against the boys. XD So unless it is actually hurting them in some way or will in the future, I really don’t think parents should do anything to their kid for it, especially not surgery. As many many of these comments show how it haven’t had a negative effect on them at all. I am really happy to know other people do this too. ❤❤
Sorry to hear you were subject to the bullying. Often a parents choice of surgical correction for their child is made after a failure of conservative care. There are various reasons why treatment is sought out. The age of the child, their activity level, quality of life, plus the other muscles, joints affected by an abnormal gait as they age up. Thanks for sharing your experience and for watching our video.
I walked on my tippy toes from my first steps to 11. I was not able to walk flat and would be in pain if I tried. Surgery was always recommended for me by every doctor. My mom thought it was also a habit so it would not be fully corrected. I wore leg braces that were molded to the shape of my legs and feet (orthotics). I wore them most days at school. I tried to wear them while I slept. my mom would encourage me to wear them as much as possible but understood I needed breaks. I also did physiotherapy. After a year I walked flat foot. I tippy toed in bare feet still so wore slippers in the house until it was no longer a full habit. Super grateful 🙏. I would have major back issues for sure if not corrected.
Please what country are you? My son also does same. He feels pain when his feet are down. I feel so bad watching him like this. What can I do? I used to scold him for it but now I understand it's not his fault and it makes me feel even worse. How can I help him. I would love for him to live the best life and not be hindered by any feet discomfort. He is 6 years old.
I'm also a toe-walker. I have been walking like this for as long as I can remember. I keep getting asked question about why I walk like this, it is pretty annoying, but unfortunately it is something I will have to deal with for a long time. I have been trying to improve by doing exercises, but it takes a long time to improve my toe-walking. Some people just don't understand how painful it can be sometimes.
For more information visit the links below...... pediatricfootankle.com/foot-conditions/toe-walking-pediatric-equinus/ pediatricfootankle.com/achilles-tendon-lengthening-surgery/
I used to toe walk but no one really noticed it until another mom shamed me for it. I took ballet because a good chunk of the time is spent on the toes but you have to deep bend flat footed as well. I still have to stretch my ankles and feet because I'm super tall and get sore if I don't.
Thanks Captain Crunch for the comments. In most common underlying cause is equinus often with a low lying soleus muscle belly. If you are finding you have pain on a daily basis find a local doctor (Podiatrist) near you to be evaluated. Thanks! Dr. Jarman
I stopped doing this before I went to elementary, but I started to do it again at the age of 16 since I it found easier for balancing than walking normally
My bro and I, who grew up on a wooded slope, toe walked through middle school. We enjoyed it and it prevented injury to our feet from stones, thorns, etc, while barefoot. Imho, intervention only needs to be made if the kids are fully unable to stand with heels flat to the ground or have pain. We had no pain or deformity and grew out of it as we became adults.
I’m 23 and I’m still doing this. Only when I don’t wear shoes though. As of right now no pain but I’m now getting into more exercise and squatting and I think it’s affecting that.
Hi Olivia, it's great to hear you are exercising and paying attention to your walking habits. Pain is the biggest indicator that something is wrong. If you aren't experiencing pain, that's a good sign that everything is all right, but as we often state here, we would only be able to make a proper diagnosis by evaluating you in person. It sounds like you are exercising, staying healthy, and paying attention so that is good to hear. Take care! Pediatric Foot & Ankle
whats crazy is, if you look at the best olympic weightlifters in the world, youll see theyre all wearing platformed shoes at an angle, so the heel is elevated. its to have a better and more natural range of motion through the deep squat and deadlift positions necessary for the movements. and in a way, by toe walking, youre already doing that. i think it is the natural and intuitive way to walk, and although i didnt grow up doing this, it feels very comfortable to me. who cares about whats "normal" anyways.
My daughter has been a toe walker since she started walking. She's now 6 and it's non stop. She almost can't walk without doing it. It's the first thing most people notice about her besides her extreme height. She's been to a P.T. at the age of 3 and he told me she would grow out of it and her range of motion was beautiful. We just went to Shriners in Erie this year (age 6) and they recommended more P.T. but said her range of motion and flexibility is exactly where it should be. I'm at a loss. We tried heel squeakers, "rocker" shoes, P.T., and are about to buy platform crocs. They think she's doing it for stimulation. No autism or the such. But she does have behavioral diagnoses. She has no pain flat or toe walking. And her Achilles is just as it should be too. Any recommendations or help? I'm so frustrated and at a loss.
My niece is 7 and just got checked at Children’s hospital today. PT had not helped so they are going to put her in a cast for 6 weeks and then a boot for 6 months and then PT. It’s a long road but better than surgery and better now than later in life.
I was a toe walker too. When I was a child my mom thought of so many things that could help me. I didn't roll my feet correctly and the only thing that helped a little bit was a shoe with a round sole. Like a lying half moon. They where so ugly and my 12 jear old me would not wear them, but they helped a bit. The beat help was the adhd diagnosis in the age of 13. I got treated with meds and it helped. Now I'm 24 and I walk most of the times quiet normal. My heels hit hard on the ground without shoes, but that's fine and not concerning.
I just want to say Thank you for this informative video. My 4 yo son has been toe walking when he first started walking at the age of 13 months. Finally his doctor agree to the possibility of surgery. His surgery is scheduled for Nov. 1, 2021. Just a few days away. Yes, I'm extremely nervous but I'm excited for my son at the same time. Your video helped me to overcome the fear of surgery for him. Thank you sooooo much for giving me hope. And everybody else who has found this video helpful. Although, I really would've like to try other methods. After the x-rays and other test were done. Surgery was our only option.
i've walked this way my whole life. it's more comfortable, quieter, gentler on the body, and feels more effortless. i feel more steady too (i actually loose my balance more often when i'm wearing shoes/flat footing). i don't think we're supposed to walk flat on our feet, i think our shoes teach us to walk that way and people think it's "normal".
I walked on my toes for 13 years and how they fixed it was with a cast on both feet and took around 2-4 months to go to normal. I started walking at around age 2.
I am 34 and have/do toe walk. I used to do it as a kid mostly pretend to be a Dinosaur, I do not recall it being common. Later in life my Achilles tendon would hurt and toe walking alleviated it but I only did it at home and so was not walking or doing much while toe walking. This however was still an issue as I was walking with friends apologised for my slow pace, two of which were Ballet dancers and since they spend so much time with feet, they noted how I walk with a front foot first then feel rather than heel first, so I took their observation to heart and took a conscious effort to walk properly. I am alot better now and my tendons do not tend to seize up as they once did. I do find myself after a long hard days work (I stand all day) after a bit of a rest my tendons are seized and I toe walk a little before stretching them out to stand fully flat. It is annoying, it is not perfect, but hopefully functional?
Yes it sounds like for you, being able to walk with a heel/toe gait is possible. Stretching can be helpful for the Achilles tendon. An evaluation with a podiatrist wouldn't hurt either to better address the "seizing" of your tendon that you mentioned. That may be avoidable with conservative treatment. Thanks for watching our video and sharing your experience.
I grew up walking normal until about first grade. Then I started racing kids and was beating kids 4 grades higher then I. My gym teacher was watching me and told me I should run on the balls of my feet. So I took it one step further I started walking on the balls of my feet everywhere. Kids would call me chicken hawk from the old looney tunes cartoons. By the time high school came around I had huge over sized calves thighs. People would be amazed how defined and large. I was always overweight as a teen but not obese or anything just kid chubby. But I was the fastest "fat kid" on the football, lacrosse and hockey team. I could chase down RBs and WRs, I played mid field in lacrosse I did both offense and defense so I ran alot and hit alot, hockey I was 2nd fasted on my team and strongest hitter usually top goal scorer. I always said getting in the habit of constantly walking on my feet like that contributed to my leg endurance.
I work at a kindergarten and we have a kid who ALWAYS walks on his tiptoes, has hyperactivity, and doesn't talk well. But he can easily interact with everyone around him, meaning he doesnt suffer from any social issues. Are these signs of ADHD or autism?
In our clinic, we often see toe walking in autistic children and those with CP, but not every child that has those diagnoses. Thanks for watching our video.
Personally, I switch between toe walking and flat footed movement depending on preference or efficiency. Toe walking is sometimes more efficient for me as it increases speed and agility. I personally believe it is okay to toe walk sometimes, while also knowing that flat footed walking is natural and necessary. My legs also aren't straight when I toe walk and my knees are bent to mimic a spring mechanism, similar how to some animals' legs work. From my experience, it strengthens my ankles to do this. In my veiw, it can be okay, but it can also become an issue. Toe walking shouldn't be a consistent way that you walk, but it is okay to an extent. My advice is to not overdo it if you can help it, and to not do it too much if you're inexperienced. With that said, just be mindful and prioritize your safety first! :)
I have been a toe Walker my whole life and have had no problems and have lived a normal life. Children do not need to go through any surgery's or do anything else we are unique people!.
Right?? Seeing some of the comments here (like that one person telling their kid the monsters will get him if he doesn't stop toe-walking) is really disturbing.
unless it hurts there body. I would not have cared at all if she walked tip toed but her back and back of her knees started to hurt the older she got. Since siel casting she now has no back pain and can walk without pain.
My daughter is going to be 3 years old in 3 months (33 months old). She began walking at 10.5 months. As she walked and walked, we began moving objects out of her reach. At about 13 months, we saw her get on her toes a lot reaching for things. That seemed like a normal reaction to me until it advanced to her just walking around like that in the middle of the room. I had her evaluated after she turned two because she was also speech delayed, but not non-verbal. The evaluators detected no autism red flags 🚩 based on her interactions, joint attention (eye contact and pointing) and how she played with toys. Her speech has fortunately advanced a lot in her third year and she’s just got to master more pronouns, articles, and complete sentence structures. She also loves to interact with people, give hugs, and share food. She’s also had physical therapy and thick sole/high top shoes 👟, but the toe walking isn’t completely gone. There was a 2-week period when it almost entirely stopped, but it came back. Fortunately, my daughter has no range of motion problems (able to walk flat), her ankle can be completely rotated and stretched, she’s very physically capable (lives to climb bars and even walk up slides), and she toe walks less than 1/2 the time. She was found to have flat feet 🦶 and pronation though, which the physical therapist said MAY be contributing or causing the toe walking. The PT said a podiatrist is not necessary unless she is in pain, which she doesn’t seem to be in. The PT also said a child may need to be walking for a total of 3 years before all walking issues are resolved, which means she has until she is 3 years and 10.5 months old (about 13.5 more months). The exercises that were recommended were great and she is interested in some of them. My observation has been that, as long as the surface is flat, my daughter’s toe walking is not increased or decreased based on textures (i.e. wooden floor, cement, marble, or carpet). What I have noticed is that when she is wandering around the room without any goal in mind, the toe walking emerges. When she has a goal or task in mind, she doesn’t toe walk and stays focused on her plan/goal. She doesn’t toe walk when she wakes up or gets out of bed either. The toe walking varying based on her mental state is why I’m beginning to consider if there is any sensory component to her toe walking and, if there is, if nothing can be done for it and we may as well just make sure she has the right shoes that make toe walking less and less a hazard and give her opportunities to engage in activities that require a heel-toe pattern.
Thanks for your comments. There are many different underlying causes of toe walking and there can be a combination of these as well that contribute to the severity. Just a touch on a few, it can be equinus, habit, vision, underlying neurological, etc. A consult with a specialist is always recommended to get an accurate diagnosis or to help educate. Thanks, Dr. Jarman
Thank you for your comment! Your daughter and my son are identical in every way, from speech delay to toe walking when there is no goal in mind. How old is she now, and how has it progressed over the last 2 years? Thanks!
@@Vlanomelle Hi. She will be 5 years old in two months. Her speech is perfect for her age and her toe walking has nearly disappeared. If anything, she may get on her toes up to 5% of the time, but no more than that. Many of these so-called red flags 🚩 that supposedly pop up in early childhood, I’ve come to learn, will resolve and pass on their own. Good luck with your son. I’m sure he’ll be fine too.
This is the same with my son 22 months now, he toe walked when he was bored or excited...still hoping he will overcome this habit and yes he is speech delayed too but same with your daughter he has great eye contact, interaction, pointing, he also still drools a lot tho
@@aldoeka4663 Yes. Don’t worry too much. Enjoy this phase of your child’s life. I have another daughter now about 17 months old. She is even more speech delayed than the first, but I have chosen to stop worrying about “developmental red flags 🚩” as every child is different, develops differently, and at their own pace that is just right for them. The best thing for now is to buy your son high top shoes or boots 🥾 to secure his ankles and have him do activities that include climbing or raise the incline of his feet. This will help to minimize his toe walking to prevent injury or any damage to the foot.
I am 26 and I'm still a toe walker (i didn't know there was a name for it, ive always called it tippy toe) I had no idea it was an issue until I stumbled across a mother talking about her child having it, I just thought it was the way I walked. It probably has something to do with my ankle and knee problems. My son is almost 2 and he's a toe walker as well, but I think he's just copying me bc he seems to have no issues walking on his whole foot. He's also flat-footed, idk if that has anything to do with being a toe walker, but I have an extreme arch in my feet so I always thought it odd that he tippy toed with flat feet.
Toe walking in toddlers is common and would only be a concern at age 3 and up. Flat feet is also common with young children. If either condition were to continue, an evaluation with a pediatric podiatrist would be our recommendation. Thanks for watching our video and sharing your experience.
I'm in my mid 20's, I still walk on my toes. I've never had any pain from it. I do kickboxing now and staying on my toes keeps me light on my feet. I also have insane calf muscles because of it. I just need to be careful to stretch out regularly so the muscles don't get too tight and stress out my ankles or knees. My mom always told me I was going to tear up my feet, but I've not had any real problems with it.
I've toe-walked my whole life and never even knew it was 'a thing.' I can walk just fine on flat feet. Fast run is on the pad, stable run is on flat feet. Strength is on flat feet, nimble on the pad. I work out and stretch every day, never had ankle. heel or sole issues. It feels light and bouncy to toe-walk. Pleasant. I'll get checked just to be sure it's all good, but I like my toe-walking on occasion as an adult.
When I was as 7 I started toe walking I don’t know why. After OT and PT at age 11 I had to get surgery on both my legs. Parents please pay attention to toe walking so you don’t have to go through what I did.
My Achilles is a little short and I don’t have 20 degrees of dorsiflexion of the foot so I can try to walk normal but the lift off isn’t very normal. I also cannot plant my heels to do a squat. If I want to squat then I have to fully be on the balls of my feet for balance and as a result my knees aren’t completely aligned with my feet through the squatting motion because my knees bow out a bit.
Thanks for your comments. It sounds like you have a tight gastroc soleus equinus that is limiting your normal range of motion. I hope this helps. Dr. Jarman
For conservative treatment, a pediatric toe walking night-brace can help. The link below is the lab that supplies the ones we utilize in our clinic. Thank for watching our video. Feel free to reach out with any questions. pediatricorthotic.com/ pediatricfootankle.com/contact-directions/
I'm 40, and have been walking on my toes my whole life. I can walk flat footed, but it does not feel natural. I ran track and was actually really fast because I I used my legs more like springs. I was also heavily into martial arts and developed great balance on my toes. When I wear normal shoes I tend to walk flat footed but I don't like it and wear flip flops or go barefoot whenever possible. If it helps I am on the spectrum so I have a few odd habits. My son who is almost 20 walks normally unless he's running or stressed and then walks on his toes.
You don't mention if you are able to get your heel to the floor at all. Conservative care would start with a nightbrace, however, depending on the severity of your condition, Achilles Tendon Lengthening surgery might be more appropriate. If you want to change the condition, I would suggest an evaluation by a podiatrist. Our website has info on the surgery itself if you want more info on that. Link provided pediatricfootankle.com/surgeries/achilles-tendon-lengthening-surgery/ Thanks for watching our video and sharing your experience.
@@PediatricFootAnkle thanks for the response and info. Yes I can easily place my heels on the ground it just isn’t how it naturally happens for me. I have a actively force myself to walk with my heels. I’ve always had trouble doing squats my heels come off the ground and I go onto my toes or I angle my feet out drastically. When I played ball in college I had one of the worst squats weight wise. My bench press and squat were the same max.
I've been toe walking since I could walk. When I was 3-4 I was taken to a foot doctor because I was flat foot and didn't have an arch in my foot. The doctor also pointed out that I was toe walking and had that examined as well. It turned out that I was just really flexible and it was just more comfortable for me to walk that way because of it. I got orthotics because I was flat foot but they were also supposed to help me stop toe walking but I did it anyways. Tried getting me shoes to make it a lot harder for me to toe walk but I managed to do it anyways 😅 Every time I've gone to the doctor I always have my feet checked because normally people who toe walk tend to have tight muscles in their ankles. But still every time I'm told that I'm just flexible. (I have no problems with pain or anything either)
Thank you for you comment, it sounds like you've had a lot going on. I see this combination of toe-walking and flat feet regularly. I do want to point out that these are two separate issues. Orthotics are a great way to control a flexible flat foot. Unfortunately, orthotics do not fix or treat toe-walking. There are great protocals that are followed depending on the age and severity of the toe-walking that can fix it. Unfortunately if you are seeing a non-surgical provider, often times they don't know how to truly fix toe-walking. I hope this helps. - Dr. Jarman
i usually do a weird thing where i switch between toe walking and normal walking depending on the situation but i usually toe walk in a casual situations and my calfs are like extra beefy now
Kazey, you should be fine and shouldn't require any surgery. You will most likely grow out of it as most kids do, but of course we can not offer any specific medical advice or confirmation on your condition without first seeing you at our office. We thought it was important though that you not worry too much about your toe walking, but be conscious of it, and if doesn't improve to consider seeing a pediatric podiatrist in your area. Take care, Pediatric Foot & Ankle
@@PediatricFootAnkle however I've lately been assessed as being adhd (I'm 30) and I think they want to assess me for ASD - so if I ever find out I'll update
ToeWalking is common for toddlers to about the age of three. If it becomes chronic after that age, there could be a concern. We would recommend you have your child's gait observed by a pediatric podiatrist. The link below offers more information on the condition. pediatricfootankle.com/foot-conditions/toe-walking-pediatric-equinus/
The reason i am watching this video is because my daughter who is 1 year and 3 months old is a toe walker. We went to many hospitals and most of them said to go with POP casting. We finally got both legs casted yesterday but from then my daughter is crying badly throughout the day because of discomfort in sleeping. If its for a Surguery i think i need to wait for 2 more years.
Thank you for watching our video. It is not uncommon for children to toe walk up to age three. However, every doctor has their own process and protocols. You did not mention if there was any other diagnosis besides Equinus that would warrant dual leg casting. In our clinic, for young children, if the only condition is toe walking, we have parents use a Toe Walking nightbrace to passively stretch the Achilles tendon while the child sleeps. We've noted a link below to the lab that supplies the braces to us, in case you might want to discuss this with your daughter's pediatric podiatrist. Please feel free to contact our clinic if you have any further questions. pediatricorthotic.com/ pediatricfootankle.com/contact-directions/
I started walking like this because I didn’t like wearing shoes, the floor is cold and i saw a video about how hook worms could attached to your feet. That was when I was younger. Now I know how to walk flat but I still do toe walking just just not to make any sound.
Dont get surgery , if your young or older dedicate 4 hours a day to relearning and retrainging your mind teaching it the proper way to walk. It will be difficult and frustrating but after a few weeks your mind and feet will adapt , synchronize with one another slowly teaching you how to properly walk.
Conservative care is always recommended and surgery is a last resort. I have found little success with Botox and the literature is very mixed on its success as most revert back to toe walking after 6 months. Botox may be useful for CP induced toe walking as a method to buy time and push out he need for a more aggressive option. Best wishes! Dr. Jarman
My kids is 3 years old and when we ask him to keep heels down, he kept for few second then forgot. We tried ortho special shoes from amazon and everything, nothing helps him to remember his heels down. Can you please share some tips how we can encourage him. We visited hospital last year, the doctor asked to do feet exercise only
When you see your kid walking on his toes constantly remind him that his feet are going to break. I know it may sound mean or cruel but imprinting that in the childs mind reminds them not to do it because it sound like it would hurt more oppose to walking on their toes. My son is 2 soon to be 3 and we are constantly telling him, " put your feet down or the monsters going to get you." Or " don't put your feet up or they'll break." It's not the nicest way to approach the situation but believe me it works waay better than doing what the doctors say about having them do exercises and then watching your child cry theirselves to sleep every night because their muscles on their poor legs are hurting so bad.
Children who simply toe walk out of habit do not require treatment and usually outgrow the habit. Reminding your child to walk with their heels like you are doing should be sufficient in helping your child outgrow the habit. If you are concerned it might be more than just a habit, seek the professional advice of a podiatrist, preferably a pediatric podiatrist because kids feet are different than adults contrary to belief. Once again, the mass majority of kids do outgrow this habit. If you want to learn more about toe walking and other treatment options, read this article here: pediatricfootankle.com/foot-conditions/toe-walking-pediatric-equinus/
@@PediatricFootAnkle - my 12 yr old niece is still toe walking. No one seems to care, as I never see or hear anyone say anything to her. I’ve tried a few times, but she just gets mad I’ve also seen videos of adult toe walkers & I’m very concerned- but helpless Any suggestions?
Hi, my child is 6 years and she is toe walking. It’s been like that for the past 2 years although the first 4 years since birth she walked normally as a child. This condition started at the age of 4. For the past year we been to different paediatricians and they have advised that she may be suffering from short achilles tendon called tendonitis. We are not based in America, & we are considering to fly in for evaluation and proper diagnosis before we decide whether to surgically operate on our child. When is the best time to call your office and schedule an appointment?
Hello Susu and thanks for your comments. It can be very stressfull trying to figure out what is right and what to do when it comes to treating your children. I only recommend surgery for children that have completely failed conservative care or children that have such a severe deformity that they cannot walk normally at all. Fee free to reach out to our office, I have been doing a lot of telemed appointments over Zoom for consults with parents that are out of state. Best wishes, Dr. Jarman
A gait of rolling from heel to toe creates a more natural stride but can be difficult and frustrating for toe walkers. It creates a visual effect not structural. The root of toe walking is a tightness in the back of the leg and this is solved by conservative or surgical lengthening of the constriction in the back of the leg. Thanks for watching our video.
Hello. My son is 12 yrs old and has been toe walking since about 3yrs old. We tried some physical therapy when he was 4, but it was not consistent. We were told also that he would outgrow it but he still toe walks. He says it is painful to put his heels down when standing. He also has his feet/toes pointing straight out when lying down. It is even difficult for him to do stretching exercises to stretch his Achilles’ tendon. I would like to know if the night splints may still work for him or if surgery is the only option now that he’s older and has been toe walking for awhile. We’d like to try other measures first before surgery but also don’t want to waste time if they likely won’t work. Thank you! Appreciate any advice.
Hello Jennifer, Conservative care is always recommended and night splinting techniques would be the only recommendation that could provide any appreciable change. There are a lot of challenges that you will face with an older child with compliance and depending on the severity it could take years to get enough correction to get your son to walk flat and he still may need more length to walk with full range of motion. Surgical lengthening may be a better option for older children or severe loss of ankle range of motion. A child who is surgical lengthened will be walking normal, with full range of motion in approximately 6 months. Your son really needs to be evaluated by a doctor who performs these surgeries on a regular basis. When getting advice from a doctor who does NOT perform surgical lengthenings you can sometimes get inaccurate information or be placed on a treatment plan that gets mixed outcomes. I hope this helps... Dr. Jarman
my duaghter is 12 now and got her cast off last year for tip toe walking. It is amazing the diffrence and she has no more back pain.th-cam.com/video/uoOGU7z-GPw/w-d-xo.html
So my son had this same issue and nothing helped and got sent to the children's hospital in Madera and they said he grew too fast and they casted both of his feet they made his feet each flat as possible then casted them & he wore for months to help stretch them, then later when removed we could tell a difference he wasn't walking on his toes as high and his feet were alot lower to the ground ...so yes it helped but does my son still walk on his tip toes yes but this method does seem to work if had been re- casted again maybe one more time then would had then stretch enough to possibly actually with feet more flat fully...but thing is the kids wearing casts for month is not comfortable:/ but he was a trooper for sure and was running and playing with those casts on like as tho they were not even on
I'm 45 and I did this until I was around 5 or 6 years old and I have no idea why. I don't even remember when or how I switched to walking normally but I know I never saw a doctor for it. I have ADHD but otherwise I don't have any conditions I'm aware of, and my ADHD is fairly mild now (though it was rather severe in elementary and middle school). My memories of this are very strange. I didn't give it any thought until I was with my biological dad one day (who I didn't see very often) and he told me to stop walking like a girl. From then on I became very self conscious about it and I think this may be the main reason I stopped doing it. Before that I had no idea that what I was doing was usual.
Thank you for sharing your experience. Glad to hear your condition resolved. That isn't usually common after age 6-7, but glad that did somehow happen for you. Thanks for watching our video.
Thank you for your comment. I'm glad you are looking to seek advice from a doctor soon. It can be painful to walk flat when you are a toe-walker. Thanks - Dr. Jarman.
Sir my son is toe walking. He is having muscle tone high with stiffness on left ankle. Doc has suggested for MRI scan brian. Does it really required? Or only physiotherapy is enough? Please reply sir.
My son is about to be 5 and is being evaluated in Phx Childrens hospital. They are suggesting Botox and serial casting. I’m not fully convinced. My son is very sensory sensitive and is already traumatized by anyone in scrubs including the school nurse. Out of curiosity I searched up your office and realized it’s in Gilbert. I would love to get your opinion and also wondered if you worked with Phx children’s?
Hello and Thanks for you question. There are many different approaches to toe walking and protocols that are based off of your child's age, severity and other underlying causative factors. Botox and serial casting do have their place, but the patent selection for these treatments can be narrow. I would love to see your son to give you a second opinion. Thanks, Dr. Jarman
Don't listen to these quacks do research on biomechanics and you will find out the just want to sell you on improper heel first walking because it creates life long problems please research
My 9 yr old grandson toe walks, with his right ankle tighter then left. He recently had a mri showing nerve cluster at the end of spine. Pediatrician referred him for surgery. We want to know if braces, PT would help we would like to avoid surgery
Thank you for watching our video and sharing your experience. A nightbrace could be helpful if the toe walking is indeed coming from a tight Achilles tendon. However, you mention the spinal nerve concern as well. We would always recommend conservative care first.
I can walk normal comfortably but I see myself walking on tippy toes pretty often especially when I’m using stairs alote I walk up or down with my tippy toes then I continue to walk on my tippy toes out of habit, but I often walk on tippy toes anyways I hope there’s no bad side effects from walking on tippy toes cause if they are I’d focus more on walking normally but if there isn’t no bad side effects I’ll just keep doing what’s comfortable
Hello doctor, I am 23. I have no issues. I only have an anxiety disorder. I have walked like this my entire life. Will I develop issues? I don't mind this issue because when I wear heels its no different.
Hello Hailey and thanks for your comments. The most common complication we see with chronic toe walkers is an abnormal gait and forefoot overload leading to pain under the ball of your foot when standing for long periods of time. Everyones preference is different when it comes to treatment, do I treat or do I not treat. We always recommend treatment as this is a treatable condition. I hope this helps. Thanks, Dr. Jarman
Thanks for your comments. Toe walking unfortunately is not an issue that always just spontaneously resolves. In some cases it does improve, just depends on how severe the condition is and ultimately what is causing it. I hope it helps. Dr. Jarman
hey mate, I am having a problem with my toe when I start walking in heels my posture get worse but if I walk in toes it gets alright? can u recommend me something to cure this?
Bowen Therapy may help. It does for the soft tissue what chiropractic does for the spine. Chiropractic in conjunction with Bowen Therapy may be better still.
Thanks for your comments, I am familiar with Bowen therapy and agree there are connections with tight fascia in the body and toe walking, for example there is a relationship between toe walking and tongue tie in children. I however, am not an advocate for Bowen therapy in the treatment of toe walking as the main steam medial treatment therapies work great. Thanks, Dr. Jarman
@@PediatricFootAnkle Perhaps you would reconsider Bowen if you met Judy Terwilliger of Flexibly Fit in Sacramento, CA. She has delivered impressive results using Bowen.
I'm 14 but started getting called out for it the previous year.I was called a penguin but didn't really care back then.Now I've done a lot of research and I figured it was just a habit, but will also do excersise because I feel a little pain on my ankles sometimes. Now I started walking heel to toe and at first it felt unatural and weird, but now I do it naturally.
I did this in kindergarten because I didn't like to walk on the cold floor. They thought I had a medical condition. Took some time to explain my problem.
My son started walking when he was 12 months. Now at 16 months he's still toe walking. He occasionally walks flat, and when he's running his feet is flat!
Thanks for watching our video and sharing about your son's gait. Typically we are not concerned with toe walking till about age 3. This is a watch and wait situation. Let us now if you have any further concerns we might be able to guide you on.
My 4 year old has sensory processing order, and still toe walks, he's almost 5.. He can flat foot walk when reminded, but that lasts 1 second or 2 seconds. Not sure who to contact. He was diagnosed with autism, while that was 2 years ago, he is very neurotypical except for the SPD to textures and sound sometimes.
Hello Will and thanks for your comments! A good workup by a specialist who treats toe walking is essential to make sure the condition is being treated correctly. Night bracing is the gold standard for treatment 90% of the time. Please check out The American College of Foot and Ankle Pediatrics (ACFAP) website for a doctor near you that treats toe walking; unfortunately the internet and others who don't really treat it give out poor advise . Best of luck! Dr. Jarman
@@PediatricFootAnkle We have had him in daily braces for 3-4 months now. As soon as the braces come off,, back to toe walking and running. We have tightened the brace straps, went back in for a recheck etc..and it's all working as intended, but so far results not working. He wears the braces from 9am to 7pm daily. Weekends he gets a little bit of a rest from it. His nanny and us do a really good job and he doesn't hate wearing them, they just don't seem to be working. We have been starting stretching routines etc.. But, it's one aspect we have to get more consistent on. Just not sure what else to do about this.
I used to tiptoe a lot as a kid, but it was mostly on cold floors, because we have hard wood and tile flooring in the kitchen and other areas of the house. Probably undressed, but about the last week or so, my Achilles tendon has been really sore on my right foot and idk if I did something or what happened. I haven’t even been as active (which I guess may be a cause too), I can’t think of anything that might have caused it like stress or some kind of injury, or if it’s just a new ache/pain I have to add to the list (including my knees and back from flat feet and strained back muscles).
Thanks for watching the video and sharing your experience. An evaluation with a podiatrist would be helpful to determine the cause of the pain you are experiencing on your right achilles; they could also address treatment for flat feet.
When my parents noticed I toe walked which is not always but I do it very often in cases of areas where my feet feel like they need to balance themselves like that, something the doctors did is that they added me those things you can’t walk with on your feet, like what they do to you when you break a bone on your arm or something, they said that the Achilles’ tendon had to be stretched longer, I have been months with those and I still walk on my toes, also another thing I have is penguin walk which is my feet are wrong positioned on the sides
It's so weird seeing this. I did this throughout my childhood and well into adulthood. I'm in my mid 30s and still occasionally do it, but only when barefoot. No one ever said anything to me.
My son is almost 8 and has been a toe walker since he started walking .. he has a well visit coming up and bringing this up to address. My going to assume serial casting..I have read great things. My question is.... Would you suggest going,or cancelling a summer camping trip if he's in 2 casts? It's a very wooden area with big rocks and things.
Hello and thanks for your questions. Regarding having a cast and camping in the woods should not be too much of a concern. It will get dirty and likely break down if he is walking on it. If great care was taken to keep it dry/clean/intact he should be fine. I hope this helps. Dr. Jarman
So many factors to sift through with a 2 year old. Based off of a silfverskiold test it determines if it is structural or sensory. This determine the type of bracing and if PT has merit. A good workup by someone who see this everyday and also does surgery is strongly recommended. Not that your child needs surgery, its important to understand those who truly fix toe walking actually know what they are talking about... I hope this helps. Dr. Jarman
I’m 23, I’m not on my FULL toes but my heel doesn’t touch the floor, even when I walk up stairs I’m in my tip toes like I got on heels! I have to actually realize I’m doing it to correct it, but I’ve never had any pains… Also, my calves are amazing.
Glad to hear there is no discomfort. Pain usually drives intervention. If not getting your heels down is something you want to address in the future, a consult with a podiatrist would be a good move. Thanks for watching and sharing your experience.
My daughter is 14 months old. She has not walked flat footed yet, only on her toes. Doctor suggested day brace, her tendon is very tight. Should I wait to see if she does walk flat footed . She’s only 14 months old.
Toddlers often toe walk. However, by age 3, they should be using their entire foot. Bracing is helpful in stretching the achilles tendon. Your child's pediatric podiatrist will know the best plan of care for your daughter at this age. Thank you for commenting.
Hi doc I just had a bilateral tendon lengthening surgery last feb. 02 / 22 doc i just wanna asking if i still need physical therapy? My surgeon said i don't need to... Please reply doc Thank you! ☺️
@@Senorita_jesusa now you able to walk flat feet...my 2 years old daughter walk on her toes sometimes but running fully toes without balance cannot able to jump....her calf very tight and big compare with other kids...we her right leg no balance left leg stiff...we are worrying about her mam
Thanks for you questions. Yes, of course there can be treatment for an young adult. The recommendation would be surgical to correct toe walking at this age but the outcome would be the same if you were younger. I hope this helps! Dr. Jarman
Serial casting has pros and cons. Its all about the age of the child and the severity of their toe walking. Most of these kids regress after the cast are taken off and toe walk again, if they are not splinted afterwords. It comes does to what your doctor is recommending based off the literature and their experience. It is normal to see a child with autism toe walk that can spontaneously improve as they age from 3 years to 5 years. I hope this helps. Dr. Jarman
I'm an autistic adult and have toe walked my entire life, my feet are pretty much flat so it's hard to even notice except for wear and tear on shoes. Honestly main drawback I've ever suffered is my footsteps tend to be rather quiet and it can scare people because I'm a pretty large guy and pretty silent on my feet.
I walk both ways, only on my toes sometimes for like 17 seconds at home maybe once every like three months, maybe 3 or more, nothing to do with pain or anything, I’m just tall and heavy so my calves are fucking ripped and it’s easy to just flex to myself that I can do it with ease.
Thank you for watching our video. You did not mention your current age, but a medical consult with a podiatrist would be helpful. Without an exam, we cannot make a recommendation. Thank you for sharing your experience. If you have any further questions, a contact link is noted. pediatricfootankle.com/contact-directions/
My son will be 3 end of September. We saw physical therapist who agreed we needed to see a neurosurgeon. Neurosurgeon did mris and observed. We also saw a urologist and urodynamics testing done. Both doctors released us saying they do not believe the issue is tethered cord syndrome. My son has awful leg, Back, hip, foot , and toe pain. Sometimes it wakes him up at night and he can't bear to sit in his carseat on long rides. He does toe walk but not constantly when he does toe walk it's on the tops of his toe nails/toes it gets so bad sometimes that his toe nails Crack and break. Pediatrician is considering orthopedics or rheumatologist for our next step. Do you have any suggestions/opinions on if we should skip these and see a podiatrist? Please and thank you!
We hope you have gotten some answers on your son's condition. If you are interested in a consult with Dr. Jarman, the link is noted below. pediatricfootankle.com/contact-directions/
I have autism and I toe walk even at 20 years old. Helps me to think and though it hurts after a long time, I keep better balance when I’m flat on my feet when I do it repeatedly
You noted you are able to put your feet flat. If you wished to extend that time with your heels down and walk with a heel/toe gait, a consult with a podiatrist may be a good course of action. Thank you for your comment.
I have walked in my tip toes my whole life . The only weird thing I’ve had is both of my big toes crack a lot but I don’t know if that’s because of the toe walking or if it’s just my joints in my toes.
This is not something we are typically told by our toe walking patients. Also, you don't mention if you have any discomfort. Consider a consult with a qualified provider if it concerns you. We have provided a link below that may help. Thanks for watching our video. www.apma.org/
I know what scared me straight was a bloke I had helped once he used to walk on his toes and so had a tight tendon I used to do the same he was simply walking on the beach and had his tendon snap said it was the worst pain he’s ever had and it was from walking on his toes he was warned and didn’t correct it, the simple thought of walking my kid down the beach an that happening has always stuck in my mind and I make sure correct myself
My brother when he very young started to walk and then ran on his toes. My mother got him a bike and within a few weeks he no longer walked or ran on his toes.
Is there any recommendations 4 the Yolds?! I'm 28yrs & have been dealing ever since I could walk!! I was born at 2lbs & if I ate I'd sudden be 3lbs. I'm mentally 13-17yrs however my body is physically 28yrs!!
If your toe walking is a concern, a consult with a podiatrist would be helpful.The link below might help you find someone in your area. www.apma.org/Directory/FindAPodiatrist.cfm?navItemNumber=24199
**Toe-walking is a feature, not a bug** I'm 32 years old. I've been walking on my toes since I first took my very first step. I can effortlessly alternate between toewalking and heel-toe with no discomfort at all. I much prefer to toewalk in the comfort of my own home, or pretty much anytime I am barefoot. My balance & leg strength is far superior to my non-toewalking peers. When I used to play hockey as a kid, I could skate faster than anyone else in the entire league because I had more strength to control the sharp edge of my skate better. I was also a runner in track & field, which allowed me to get into the nationals for the 100m dash sprint. I have zero physical issues with my feet into adulthood and I strongly believe toe walking is NOT a pathological issue. It doesn't need to be "corrected", but instead adapted so that children can grow with the ability to do amazing things that many others are unable to. The key is to teach your children to use toewalking as an opportunity to increase the strength & flexibility, rather than letting it be a limiting factor. In this way, I feel toe-walking is extremely misunderstood & I would even hypothesize it could be a linked to an evolutionary trait in humans. Normal walking for heel to toe is encouraged exclusively by the use of modern shoes with a small toe box & unnecessary amount heel cushioning which leads to bunions & weakened muscles in the feet; causing flat feet. Successful toe-walkers don't typically have these types of issues, as long as they use it to improve their foot health. In many countries, where NOT wearing shoes is more common, there is less stigma associated with toe-walking. Many of the greatest known soccer players learned to walk barefoot growing up in such areas of the world. I'd be curious to know how many of them may also be toe-walkers, too. I remember watching a documentary about a study trying to understand what makes the fastest runners able to run as fast as they do. The conclusion they came to was that the primary factor in speed is determined by how hard the runner can strike the ground with their forefoot before every stride. So, it seems to me that the science behind toewalking is definitely in need of some more research.
Thank you for watching our video. A good discussion with your parents seems appropriate, don't you think? Then possibly, an evaluation with a medical provider. Maybe watching our video with your parents would be helpful. Our videos are designed to educate.
What if your child walks on the tops of his toes? Is that considered toe walking too? Like curls the toes under his foot and walks on the opposite side of the ball of the foot (imagine the toenails are facing the floor). My four year old walks this way a lot, but not all the time. I have no idea how he even does it because it looks painful, but he seems unbothered by it.
Your child may have an extreme fore for ligamentous laxity that allows the foot to bend that way. If it is causing pain or not improving, it would be recommend to see a specialists. Thanks for your comments, Dr. Jarman
My 3 years old boy doing same since one year not under 2 , Suddenly it happened pls share anything regarding this issues n also speech is also very less
Thanks for your comment! Toe walking is not straight forward diagnosis, age, severity and the frequency of the toe walking that determine the appropriate interventions. I would recommend following up with a specialist in your area! -Dr. Jarman
Dr. Jarmin, I have looked at your website, and the links in the description and haven’t found an email address to reach you or your partners in your practice. I would love to communicate with you about a second opinion for 2 of my children. Or at least get your opinion of the Hospital, Surgeon, and Neurology team we have been seeing this far for my son’s clubfoot, and my daughter’s tippy toeing. Thank you
Hello and thanks for your comment. Dr. Jarman does provide virtual consultations for out-of-state and international inquiries, which can be requested via the contact form here: pediatricfootankle.com/contact-directions/ Hope that helps! - Pediatric Foot & Ankle
Hi Ralph, there are many conservative treatment options to consider before surgery. Surgery is the last option. A few things to consider: Is your son's toe walking the result of heel pain? Sometimes kids will walk on their toes to try to keep pressure off their heel because it hurts. There could be a few causes of heel pain, but the most common by far is a condition called Sever's disease (not as scary as it sounds). Here is are some links to some more information that might help: Children's heel pain common causes: pediatricfootankle.com/foot-conditions/pediatric-heel-pain/ Sever's Disease: pediatricfootankle.com/foot-conditions/severs-disease/ Children's custom orthotics: pediatricfootankle.com/childrens-orthotics/ Hope that helps! Pediatric Foot & Ankle
My mom always told my doctor that I walk on my toes and they kept telling her that I would grow out of it but I never did and they never listened to her when she said she was concerned about it bc apparently I would grow out of it. When I was 14 my calves started getting super super tight and it was very painful to walk. I had Achilles tendon lengthening surgery on my left foot when I was 16 and it helped a lot but now I need to have tendon shortening surgery on Wednesday because they lengthened it too long and now I can’t push off on my foot. And then next year I’m gonna need surgery to lengthen my right leg but this new doctor said he would lengthen my calf muscle instead of my Achilles tendon
This is why an accurate diagnosis is so important. The type of Equinus you have determines the the kind of lengthening procedure needed. It sounds like your new doctor may have more experience than the first one. Hope all goes well. Thank you for watching our video.
@@PediatricFootAnkle hey, I had the surgery Wednesday morning and everything’s been fine, the doctor said there was a lot of scar tissue from the previous surgery that he had to clean up and that he shortened my tendon about 2.5 cm I believe, which I feel like is a lot and hopefully I don’t go back to walking on my toes 😬. My whole body is sore right now, I don’t remember if it was sore when I had my last surgery but like my butt and back and even my face and neck are sore and idk why. I’m in a splint right now but on Tuesday I think they’re gonna put me in a hard cast, which I didn’t have last surgery. Last surgery I was in a splint and then a week later I was in a walking boot but I still wasn’t allowed to put pressure on my foot until 2 weeks after I got the walking boot, which was so inconvenient bc I just had to wear a giant walking boot all the time and couldn’t even walk with it on.
Im 18 and dont do this very often or am probably unaware im doing it but, until i was about ten i did ,and still do sometimes my mom never noticed so she never brought it up to a doctor but i was diagnosed clinically with severe adhd but i can comfortably walk flat on my feet all day
It sounds like you overcame your toe walking since you are able to walk comfortably with a heel/toe gait. Thank you for watching our video and sharing your experience.
Im 14 and been toe walking most of my life and recently it has been really hard to walk flat and the back of my foot hurts alot, trying to figure out what to do
Thank you for watching our video. A suggestion, since you said there is discomfort, would be to see a pediatric podiatrist for an evaluation. They would be able to recommend a specific plan of care. If you do not have one available where you live, the link below may be helpful. pediatricfootankle.com/contact-directions/
Hi there , Just a Short question in Front my nephew walks since more Then 3 years on His Tippy None of there Parents did anything to do Something about IT , my sister tould me its over wenn He is a growing Up , i believe its Not , please Tell me im the unkle , without beeing the Bad Guy to Tell my sister what she Had to do ? Kind regards from Belgium
Thanks for your comments and excited to hear from our Belgium friends! A lot of parents will watch and wait to see if their child will outgrow toe walking. It is true that it will improve over time but it never really goes away. There is a lot of compensation that occurs with the other soft tissues. You will start to see your child will develop a sever bounce when they walk and their toes will turn out. I recommend early intervention with bracing at night as these children respond very well to it. I hope this helps! Dr. Jarman
I walk on my tip toes and am 12 becomeing 13 in a couple weeks. I have gone to a doctor and they told me I have a short achieles tenden. I am takeing therapy for it next week. I'm nervous because if that doesn't work I might need surgery. It has always been more comfortable walking on my tip toes. But more harder to walk flat footed.
Hopefully therapy will help that area of concern. If it does not, an evaluation by a pediatric podiatrist would be also be appropriate. They can offer both conservative and non-conservative options of care. Possibly something to discuss with your parents. Thanks for watching our video.
I'm 43 years old and have been walking on my toes since I could. I'm 6ft tall 250lbs now, but was a state champion wrestler, 800m and 400m state qualifier in track and played offensive guard (165lbs, lol) and defensive end for my High School football team. I was incredibly fast, and had an explosiveness unmatched by few. Rode jet skis in the Colorado River for over 2 decades almost every day of every summer. NEVER had a sprained or broken ankle, NEVER any achilles issues. I do remember the doctors who told my Mom that I would be deformed for life and the $$$ they took. All the wedges, braces, stretches, physical therapy school visits I went through was for nothing. Also.. I did receive a lot of torment in school, ballerina boy, tippy toes, to stay PG.. All that social stigma did was force me into playing sports, because I WAS FAST AND POWERFUL and the toe teasing actually gave me motivation to rise above. Remember parents what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
Thank you for watching our video and sharing your experience.
Bro that's amazing
My 3 year old son has Autism and I love him dearly. Your story gives me hope he can be a happy adult when growing up. Also I’m also a combat sports fan, currently doing MMA and Jujitsu competitions. I hope my son does wrestling. 😅
I get the same treatment as well although I wasn't made fun of in school when I was young. Though now a days I am. Whenever I'm outside I feel as though I have to at least try to walk little ways flat but I physically can't. Some ppl go so far as to make a scene out of it. I never was one with the crowd, but whenever I walk outside and see other people walking flat it kind of makes me feel alienated sometimes. But hearing your story and seeing how you were made fun of but you didn't want to get to you and use it as motivation could actually help me as well.
🐈⬛Any man or woman who is a toe walker gonna be living with cats 🐈⬛ alone in a house
I am 18 and I still use to walk on my toes. And it don't hurts and it's more comfortable.
I had my tedon lengthening operation it's been 3 years I still use crutches am a tow walker too I miss it
Right been walking that way since I was a kid and have no problem if anything want to bounce off walls like werewolf hunting lol or take off running like a dog on two legs
I'm autism and that was hurting more and more, but I resolve it with stretching so quickly! that was amazing ! At 34years a kinesiology finally explained to me how to exercises on a stair all by miself, it's easy : I put my feet on the edge of a stair, then let my body go up on my toe, and down with my heel really down to stretch behind my leg, and I do that just 8second each and repeat a few time slowly, with my body straight, fix a point in front, while holding the banister by security, that's so easy and efficient!
In our clinic, for conservative care, we implement a nighbrace that passively stretches the area, over a longer period of time, while your body is in its rest/repair cycle. Sounds like what you are doing has a similar objective. Glad to hear you have found an onging process to address this condition.
Thank you for watching our video.
I did toe walking all the way into adulthood. It was a very difficult habit to get out of.
I also had a very bad day dreaming habit as well that might have been related.
Thanks for your comment, toe walking can be a difficult issue to deal with in our children and can cause issues as we transition into adulthood. Thanks again, Dr. Jarman
Did toe walking help you to grow taller?
Honestly I'm a father of 3 who grew up toe walking and though I rarely do it now my kids have taken it up. When i was young i took so much pain adapting to what the doctors wanted me to try. I'll be dam if i put my kids through that , the best thing I've seen is help your kids or yourself how to relearn walking. Take 4 hours out of your day and dedicate it to them or yourself , it may be hard or even frustrating but it will help. Retraining the mind is a timely task but when dont right it will adapt.
And what do you do with your Kids.. I wpuld love som advise for learning my son to stop tip toe without Any surgery or others.. Thanks from DK
I would also like to learn the tips.. my 3 years old is habitual toe walker.. if we ask him to keep heels down.. he do only for second and then will forgot..can you please share some tips..
@@MsSanne81 When you see your kid walking on his toes constantly remind him that his feet are going to break. I know it may sound mean or cruel but imprinting that in the childs mind reminds them not to do it because it sound like it would hurt more oppose to walking on their toes. My son is 2 soon to be 3 and we are constantly telling him, " put your feet down or the monsters going to get you." Or " don't put your feet up or they'll break." It's not the nicest way to approach the situation but believe me it works waay better than doing what the doctors say about having them do exercises and then watching your child cry theirselves to sleep every night because their muscles on their poor legs are hurting so bad.
Hello Diego Santos and thanks for your comments! Toe walking is so frustrating for parents and the child. In clinic we follow specific protocols based on the child's age and actual underlying cause of toe waling. Parents get a lot of mixed outcomes because of improper diagnosis and poor recommendations. This is why it is so important to see a doctor that actually see's kid, knows the condition well and regularly performs surgery. No (good) doctor wants to do surgery and will always educate you regarding the proper treatment protocols. Best wishes! Dr. Jarman
You need to do your research don't abuse your kids because you don't like how they walk the biomechanics dictate that heel first walking is improper it causes knee,hip, and back problems humans are meant to toe walking your heel like the knee both bend to be natural shock absorbers
I’m 14 and I do this. My parents as well as my relatives often scold me for toe walking but they don’t get how hard it is to quit. As someone who plays sports and has a high foot arch, toe walking has helped me a lot in maintaining balance. I just wish my parents could understand me
Hello Manahil and thanks for your comments. A lot of children struggle with toe walking. Its wonderful that you are able to participate in sports and athletic activities. If you do start to struggle with discomfort or pain in the ball of your foot, please see a specialist that deals with toe walking so you can get the best up to date advice and treatment. Dr. Jarman
I had my tedon lengthening operation it's been 3 years I still use crutches
same lol
@@Starbean123 hi
I’m 43 and always walk on tiptoes without footwear. Always have done it. Nothing wrong with it either
I have walked like that all my life with no pain or health problems, just a lot of bullying.
But I was still the fastest, even against the boys. XD
So unless it is actually hurting them in some way or will in the future, I really don’t think parents should do anything to their kid for it, especially not surgery.
As many many of these comments show how it haven’t had a negative effect on them at all.
I am really happy to know other people do this too. ❤❤
Sorry to hear you were subject to the bullying.
Often a parents choice of surgical correction for their child is made after a failure of conservative care. There are various reasons why treatment is sought out. The age of the child, their activity level, quality of life, plus the other muscles, joints affected by an abnormal gait as they age up.
Thanks for sharing your experience and for watching our video.
I think people who walk on their toes, have the strongest calves! I have to go to the gym to build mine. It be easier if I use to walk on my toes.😂
I walked on my tippy toes from my first steps to 11. I was not able to walk flat and would be in pain if I tried.
Surgery was always recommended for me by every doctor. My mom thought it was also a habit so it would not be fully corrected.
I wore leg braces that were molded to the shape of my legs and feet (orthotics). I wore them most days at school. I tried to wear them while I slept. my mom would encourage me to wear them as much as possible but understood I needed breaks. I also did physiotherapy.
After a year I walked flat foot. I tippy toed in bare feet still so wore slippers in the house until it was no longer a full habit.
Super grateful 🙏. I would have major back issues for sure if not corrected.
Glad to hear! Thanks again for your comments. Dr. Jarman
Please what country are you? My son also does same. He feels pain when his feet are down. I feel so bad watching him like this. What can I do? I used to scold him for it but now I understand it's not his fault and it makes me feel even worse. How can I help him. I would love for him to live the best life and not be hindered by any feet discomfort. He is 6 years old.
👀
I'm also a toe-walker. I have been walking like this for as long as I can remember. I keep getting asked question about why I walk like this, it is pretty annoying, but unfortunately it is something I will have to deal with for a long time. I have been trying to improve by doing exercises, but it takes a long time to improve my toe-walking. Some people just don't understand how painful it can be sometimes.
For more information visit the links below......
pediatricfootankle.com/foot-conditions/toe-walking-pediatric-equinus/
pediatricfootankle.com/achilles-tendon-lengthening-surgery/
how old are you???
I used to toe walk but no one really noticed it until another mom shamed me for it. I took ballet because a good chunk of the time is spent on the toes but you have to deep bend flat footed as well. I still have to stretch my ankles and feet because I'm super tall and get sore if I don't.
Thanks Captain Crunch for the comments. In most common underlying cause is equinus often with a low lying soleus muscle belly. If you are finding you have pain on a daily basis find a local doctor (Podiatrist) near you to be evaluated. Thanks! Dr. Jarman
I'm super talk too
I stopped doing this before I went to elementary, but I started to do it again at the age of 16 since I it found easier for balancing than walking normally
That's what happen ti my son...he felt faster than ...so he continues toe walking
you're weird
My bro and I, who grew up on a wooded slope, toe walked through middle school. We enjoyed it and it prevented injury to our feet from stones, thorns, etc, while barefoot. Imho, intervention only needs to be made if the kids are fully unable to stand with heels flat to the ground or have pain. We had no pain or deformity and grew out of it as we became adults.
Thanks for your comments, Yes, you are correct. Thanks, Dr. Jarman
I’m 23 and I’m still doing this. Only when I don’t wear shoes though. As of right now no pain but I’m now getting into more exercise and squatting and I think it’s affecting that.
Hi Olivia, it's great to hear you are exercising and paying attention to your walking habits. Pain is the biggest indicator that something is wrong. If you aren't experiencing pain, that's a good sign that everything is all right, but as we often state here, we would only be able to make a proper diagnosis by evaluating you in person. It sounds like you are exercising, staying healthy, and paying attention so that is good to hear.
Take care!
Pediatric Foot & Ankle
Omg me and my bro do this I am going to tell my mum and dad thanks
whats crazy is, if you look at the best olympic weightlifters in the world, youll see theyre all wearing platformed shoes at an angle, so the heel is elevated. its to have a better and more natural range of motion through the deep squat and deadlift positions necessary for the movements. and in a way, by toe walking, youre already doing that. i think it is the natural and intuitive way to walk, and although i didnt grow up doing this, it feels very comfortable to me. who cares about whats "normal" anyways.
I had my tedon lengthening operation it's been 3 years I still use crutches
Lol does toe walking give you huge calves?
My daughter has been a toe walker since she started walking. She's now 6 and it's non stop. She almost can't walk without doing it. It's the first thing most people notice about her besides her extreme height. She's been to a P.T. at the age of 3 and he told me she would grow out of it and her range of motion was beautiful. We just went to Shriners in Erie this year (age 6) and they recommended more P.T. but said her range of motion and flexibility is exactly where it should be. I'm at a loss. We tried heel squeakers, "rocker" shoes, P.T., and are about to buy platform crocs. They think she's doing it for stimulation. No autism or the such. But she does have behavioral diagnoses. She has no pain flat or toe walking. And her Achilles is just as it should be too. Any recommendations or help? I'm so frustrated and at a loss.
My niece is 7 and just got checked at Children’s hospital today. PT had not helped so they are going to put her in a cast for 6 weeks and then a boot for 6 months and then PT. It’s a long road but better than surgery and better now than later in life.
Acceptance
I was a toe walker too. When I was a child my mom thought of so many things that could help me. I didn't roll my feet correctly and the only thing that helped a little bit was a shoe with a round sole. Like a lying half moon. They where so ugly and my 12 jear old me would not wear them, but they helped a bit. The beat help was the adhd diagnosis in the age of 13. I got treated with meds and it helped. Now I'm 24 and I walk most of the times quiet normal. My heels hit hard on the ground without shoes, but that's fine and not concerning.
I just want to say Thank you for this informative video. My 4 yo son has been toe walking when he first started walking at the age of 13 months. Finally his doctor agree to the possibility of surgery. His surgery is scheduled for Nov. 1, 2021. Just a few days away. Yes, I'm extremely nervous but I'm excited for my son at the same time. Your video helped me to overcome the fear of surgery for him. Thank you sooooo much for giving me hope. And everybody else who has found this video helpful. Although, I really would've like to try other methods. After the x-rays and other test were done. Surgery was our only option.
Hello. I hope surgery ll have gone through perfectly. Kindly update.
I had my tedon lengthening operation it's been 3 years I still use crutches
@@luisalbani5156 hello I want to discuss in detail.kindly can I have your insta of Face book ???
@@wondervlogger5325 Luis albani fb
@@luisalbani5156 couldn't search. Share profile link
i've walked this way my whole life. it's more comfortable, quieter, gentler on the body, and feels more effortless. i feel more steady too (i actually loose my balance more often when i'm wearing shoes/flat footing). i don't think we're supposed to walk flat on our feet, i think our shoes teach us to walk that way and people think it's "normal".
agreed each person has there own way.
Facts
I mean you gonna crease your shoes if you walk that way
I had my tedon lengthening operation it's been 3 years I still use crutches
I wish I did not have operation your right
I walked on my toes for 13 years and how they fixed it was with a cast on both feet and took around 2-4 months to go to normal. I started walking at around age 2.
Thank you for watching our video and sharing your experience.
it doesn't hurt tho- im comfortable with it.
Yeah same no problems
Same
Same
Same lol I’d even get made fun of it for it but I didn’t really notice until I did get made fun
Same
I am 34 and have/do toe walk. I used to do it as a kid mostly pretend to be a Dinosaur, I do not recall it being common. Later in life my Achilles tendon would hurt and toe walking alleviated it but I only did it at home and so was not walking or doing much while toe walking.
This however was still an issue as I was walking with friends apologised for my slow pace, two of which were Ballet dancers and since they spend so much time with feet, they noted how I walk with a front foot first then feel rather than heel first, so I took their observation to heart and took a conscious effort to walk properly. I am alot better now and my tendons do not tend to seize up as they once did. I do find myself after a long hard days work (I stand all day) after a bit of a rest my tendons are seized and I toe walk a little before stretching them out to stand fully flat. It is annoying, it is not perfect, but hopefully functional?
Yes it sounds like for you, being able to walk with a heel/toe gait is possible. Stretching can be helpful for the Achilles tendon. An evaluation with a podiatrist wouldn't hurt either to better address the "seizing" of your tendon that you mentioned. That may be avoidable with conservative treatment.
Thanks for watching our video and sharing your experience.
I've never heard of this before but trying to walk like that is super uncomfortable.
I grew up walking normal until about first grade. Then I started racing kids and was beating kids 4 grades higher then I. My gym teacher was watching me and told me I should run on the balls of my feet. So I took it one step further I started walking on the balls of my feet everywhere. Kids would call me chicken hawk from the old looney tunes cartoons. By the time high school came around I had huge over sized calves thighs. People would be amazed how defined and large. I was always overweight as a teen but not obese or anything just kid chubby. But I was the fastest "fat kid" on the football, lacrosse and hockey team. I could chase down RBs and WRs, I played mid field in lacrosse I did both offense and defense so I ran alot and hit alot, hockey I was 2nd fasted on my team and strongest hitter usually top goal scorer. I always said getting in the habit of constantly walking on my feet like that contributed to my leg endurance.
Thanks for your comments. Good to hear the condition never stopped you from participating in activities.
I work at a kindergarten and we have a kid who ALWAYS walks on his tiptoes, has hyperactivity, and doesn't talk well. But he can easily interact with everyone around him, meaning he doesnt suffer from any social issues. Are these signs of ADHD or autism?
In our clinic, we often see toe walking in autistic children and those with CP, but not every child that has those diagnoses.
Thanks for watching our video.
Saw a teenage boy around 17 years old walking like this at the pet store yesterday. Very strange.
Thanks for watching our video. Let us know if you have any questions.
Personally, I switch between toe walking and flat footed movement depending on preference or efficiency. Toe walking is sometimes more efficient for me as it increases speed and agility. I personally believe it is okay to toe walk sometimes, while also knowing that flat footed walking is natural and necessary. My legs also aren't straight when I toe walk and my knees are bent to mimic a spring mechanism, similar how to some animals' legs work. From my experience, it strengthens my ankles to do this.
In my veiw, it can be okay, but it can also become an issue. Toe walking shouldn't be a consistent way that you walk, but it is okay to an extent. My advice is to not overdo it if you can help it, and to not do it too much if you're inexperienced.
With that said, just be mindful and prioritize your safety first! :)
Thanks for watching our video. Glad you are able to walk with a natural gait when you choose. Let us know if you have any questions.
I have been a toe Walker my whole life and have had no problems and have lived a normal life. Children do not need to go through any surgery's or do anything else we are unique people!.
Right?? Seeing some of the comments here (like that one person telling their kid the monsters will get him if he doesn't stop toe-walking) is really disturbing.
Hello Liza and thanks for your comments. Dr. Jarman
unless it hurts there body. I would not have cared at all if she walked tip toed but her back and back of her knees started to hurt the older she got. Since siel casting she now has no back pain and can walk without pain.
I had my tedon lengthening operation it's been 3 years I still use crutches
My daughter is going to be 3 years old in 3 months (33 months old).
She began walking at 10.5 months. As she walked and walked, we began moving objects out of her reach.
At about 13 months, we saw her get on her toes a lot reaching for things. That seemed like a normal reaction to me until it advanced to her just walking around like that in the middle of the room.
I had her evaluated after she turned two because she was also speech delayed, but not non-verbal. The evaluators detected no autism red flags 🚩 based on her interactions, joint attention (eye contact and pointing) and how she played with toys.
Her speech has fortunately advanced a lot in her third year and she’s just got to master more pronouns, articles, and complete sentence structures. She also loves to interact with people, give hugs, and share food.
She’s also had physical therapy and thick sole/high top shoes 👟, but the toe walking isn’t completely gone.
There was a 2-week period when it almost entirely stopped, but it came back.
Fortunately, my daughter has no range of motion problems (able to walk flat), her ankle can be completely rotated and stretched, she’s very physically capable (lives to climb bars and even walk up slides), and she toe walks less than 1/2 the time.
She was found to have flat feet 🦶 and pronation though, which the physical therapist said MAY be contributing or causing the toe walking.
The PT said a podiatrist is not necessary unless she is in pain, which she doesn’t seem to be in.
The PT also said a child may need to be walking for a total of 3 years before all walking issues are resolved, which means she has until she is 3 years and 10.5 months old (about 13.5 more months).
The exercises that were recommended were great and she is interested in some of them.
My observation has been that, as long as the surface is flat, my daughter’s toe walking is not increased or decreased based on textures (i.e. wooden floor, cement, marble, or carpet).
What I have noticed is that when she is wandering around the room without any goal in mind, the toe walking emerges. When she has a goal or task in mind, she doesn’t toe walk and stays focused on her plan/goal.
She doesn’t toe walk when she wakes up or gets out of bed either.
The toe walking varying based on her mental state is why I’m beginning to consider if there is any sensory component to her toe walking and, if there is, if nothing can be done for it and we may as well just make sure she has the right shoes that make toe walking less and less a hazard and give her opportunities to engage in activities that require a heel-toe pattern.
Thanks for your comments. There are many different underlying causes of toe walking and there can be a combination of these as well that contribute to the severity. Just a touch on a few, it can be equinus, habit, vision, underlying neurological, etc. A consult with a specialist is always recommended to get an accurate diagnosis or to help educate. Thanks, Dr. Jarman
Thank you for your comment! Your daughter and my son are identical in every way, from speech delay to toe walking when there is no goal in mind. How old is she now, and how has it progressed over the last 2 years? Thanks!
@@Vlanomelle
Hi.
She will be 5 years old in two months.
Her speech is perfect for her age and her toe walking has nearly disappeared.
If anything, she may get on her toes up to 5% of the time, but no more than that.
Many of these so-called red flags 🚩 that supposedly pop up in early childhood, I’ve come to learn, will resolve and pass on their own.
Good luck with your son.
I’m sure he’ll be fine too.
This is the same with my son 22 months now, he toe walked when he was bored or excited...still hoping he will overcome this habit and yes he is speech delayed too but same with your daughter he has great eye contact, interaction, pointing, he also still drools a lot tho
@@aldoeka4663
Yes.
Don’t worry too much. Enjoy this phase of your child’s life.
I have another daughter now about 17 months old. She is even more speech delayed than the first, but I have chosen to stop worrying about “developmental red flags 🚩” as every child is different, develops differently, and at their own pace that is just right for them.
The best thing for now is to buy your son high top shoes or boots 🥾 to secure his ankles and have him do activities that include climbing or raise the incline of his feet. This will help to minimize his toe walking to prevent injury or any damage to the foot.
I am 26 and I'm still a toe walker (i didn't know there was a name for it, ive always called it tippy toe) I had no idea it was an issue until I stumbled across a mother talking about her child having it, I just thought it was the way I walked. It probably has something to do with my ankle and knee problems. My son is almost 2 and he's a toe walker as well, but I think he's just copying me bc he seems to have no issues walking on his whole foot. He's also flat-footed, idk if that has anything to do with being a toe walker, but I have an extreme arch in my feet so I always thought it odd that he tippy toed with flat feet.
Toe walking in toddlers is common and would only be a concern at age 3 and up. Flat feet is also common with young children. If either condition were to continue, an evaluation with a pediatric podiatrist would be our recommendation.
Thanks for watching our video and sharing your experience.
Thank you for this informative video. Worrier parents like myself really really appreciate it. Especially your reassuring advice. 😅
Thanks for watching our video. Glad the information addressed your concerns. Let us know if you have any questions in the future.
I'm in my mid 20's, I still walk on my toes. I've never had any pain from it. I do kickboxing now and staying on my toes keeps me light on my feet. I also have insane calf muscles because of it. I just need to be careful to stretch out regularly so the muscles don't get too tight and stress out my ankles or knees. My mom always told me I was going to tear up my feet, but I've not had any real problems with it.
Thanks for watching our video and sharing your experience.
I've toe-walked my whole life and never even knew it was 'a thing.' I can walk just fine on flat feet. Fast run is on the pad, stable run is on flat feet. Strength is on flat feet, nimble on the pad. I work out and stretch every day, never had ankle. heel or sole issues. It feels light and bouncy to toe-walk. Pleasant. I'll get checked just to be sure it's all good, but I like my toe-walking on occasion as an adult.
Thank you for sharing your experience.
Worth a check for sure. Thanks for watching our video
When I was as 7 I started toe walking I don’t know why. After OT and PT at age 11 I had to get surgery on both my legs. Parents please pay attention to toe walking so you don’t have to go through what I did.
Thank you for sharing your experience and watching our video.
My Achilles is a little short and I don’t have 20 degrees of dorsiflexion of the foot so I can try to walk normal but the lift off isn’t very normal. I also cannot plant my heels to do a squat. If I want to squat then I have to fully be on the balls of my feet for balance and as a result my knees aren’t completely aligned with my feet through the squatting motion because my knees bow out a bit.
Thanks for your comments. It sounds like you have a tight gastroc soleus equinus that is limiting your normal range of motion. I hope this helps. Dr. Jarman
We're in this exact situation with our 5 year old right now!
For conservative treatment, a pediatric toe walking night-brace can help. The link below is the lab that supplies the ones we utilize in our clinic.
Thank for watching our video. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
pediatricorthotic.com/
pediatricfootankle.com/contact-directions/
I'm 40, and have been walking on my toes my whole life. I can walk flat footed, but it does not feel natural. I ran track and was actually really fast because I I used my legs more like springs. I was also heavily into martial arts and developed great balance on my toes. When I wear normal shoes I tend to walk flat footed but I don't like it and wear flip flops or go barefoot whenever possible. If it helps I am on the spectrum so I have a few odd habits. My son who is almost 20 walks normally unless he's running or stressed and then walks on his toes.
Thanks for sharing your experience and watching our video.
Let us know if you have any questions.
I’m 29 I walk on my toes and people call me out for it all the time. I’m 6’5” so it like I’m super extra tall. How do I stop?
You don't mention if you are able to get your heel to the floor at all. Conservative care would start with a nightbrace, however, depending on the severity of your condition, Achilles Tendon Lengthening surgery might be more appropriate. If you want to change the condition, I would suggest an evaluation by a podiatrist. Our website has info on the surgery itself if you want more info on that. Link provided pediatricfootankle.com/surgeries/achilles-tendon-lengthening-surgery/
Thanks for watching our video and sharing your experience.
@@PediatricFootAnkle thanks for the response and info. Yes I can easily place my heels on the ground it just isn’t how it naturally happens for me. I have a actively force myself to walk with my heels. I’ve always had trouble doing squats my heels come off the ground and I go onto my toes or I angle my feet out drastically. When I played ball in college I had one of the worst squats weight wise. My bench press and squat were the same max.
I've been toe walking since I could walk. When I was 3-4 I was taken to a foot doctor because I was flat foot and didn't have an arch in my foot. The doctor also pointed out that I was toe walking and had that examined as well. It turned out that I was just really flexible and it was just more comfortable for me to walk that way because of it. I got orthotics because I was flat foot but they were also supposed to help me stop toe walking but I did it anyways. Tried getting me shoes to make it a lot harder for me to toe walk but I managed to do it anyways 😅
Every time I've gone to the doctor I always have my feet checked because normally people who toe walk tend to have tight muscles in their ankles. But still every time I'm told that I'm just flexible. (I have no problems with pain or anything either)
Thank you for you comment, it sounds like you've had a lot going on. I see this combination of toe-walking and flat feet regularly. I do want to point out that these are two separate issues. Orthotics are a great way to control a flexible flat foot. Unfortunately, orthotics do not fix or treat toe-walking. There are great protocals that are followed depending on the age and severity of the toe-walking that can fix it. Unfortunately if you are seeing a non-surgical provider, often times they don't know how to truly fix toe-walking. I hope this helps. - Dr. Jarman
This might be my same issue. I'm very flexible as well
i usually do a weird thing where i switch between toe walking and normal walking depending on the situation but i usually toe walk in a casual situations and my calfs are like extra beefy now
Sounds like you have a mild case of toe walking (equinus), were you can walk flat at times. Thanks for your comments. Dr. Jarman
Im a child with this tho i dont have many of these symtoms i just walk on my tippt toes cause its more comfortable and makes me taller.
Girl you might get surgery or casting
Kazey, you should be fine and shouldn't require any surgery. You will most likely grow out of it as most kids do, but of course we can not offer any specific medical advice or confirmation on your condition without first seeing you at our office. We thought it was important though that you not worry too much about your toe walking, but be conscious of it, and if doesn't improve to consider seeing a pediatric podiatrist in your area.
Take care,
Pediatric Foot & Ankle
I'm not autistic but being assessed for adhd and have been doing it since was a child, only barefoot, and walking normally is no problem either for me
Thanks for your comments.
@@PediatricFootAnkle however I've lately been assessed as being adhd (I'm 30) and I think they want to assess me for ASD - so if I ever find out I'll update
My 2 year old started tip toe walking,exactlu when he turn 2 yeara old. Is this normal,he was not doing it before
ToeWalking is common for toddlers to about the age of three.
If it becomes chronic after that age, there could be a concern.
We would recommend you have your child's gait observed by a pediatric podiatrist.
The link below offers more information on the condition.
pediatricfootankle.com/foot-conditions/toe-walking-pediatric-equinus/
The reason i am watching this video is because my daughter who is 1 year and 3 months old is a toe walker. We went to many hospitals and most of them said to go with POP casting. We finally got both legs casted yesterday but from then my daughter is crying badly throughout the day because of discomfort in sleeping. If its for a Surguery i think i need to wait for 2 more years.
Thank you for watching our video. It is not uncommon for children to toe walk up to age three. However, every doctor has their own process and protocols.
You did not mention if there was any other diagnosis besides Equinus that would warrant dual leg casting.
In our clinic, for young children, if the only condition is toe walking, we have parents use a Toe Walking nightbrace to passively stretch the Achilles tendon while the child sleeps. We've noted a link below to the lab that supplies the braces to us, in case you might want to discuss this with your daughter's pediatric podiatrist. Please feel free to contact our clinic if you have any further questions.
pediatricorthotic.com/
pediatricfootankle.com/contact-directions/
I started walking like this because I didn’t like wearing shoes, the floor is cold and i saw a video about how hook worms could attached to your feet. That was when I was younger. Now I know how to walk flat but I still do toe walking just just not to make any sound.
Hi there! I am a toe Walker and have had casting and splints. Would you recommend surgery or Botox?
Dont get surgery , if your young or older dedicate 4 hours a day to relearning and retrainging your mind teaching it the proper way to walk. It will be difficult and frustrating but after a few weeks your mind and feet will adapt , synchronize with one another slowly teaching you how to properly walk.
Conservative care is always recommended and surgery is a last resort. I have found little success with Botox and the literature is very mixed on its success as most revert back to toe walking after 6 months. Botox may be useful for CP induced toe walking as a method to buy time and push out he need for a more aggressive option. Best wishes! Dr. Jarman
My kids is 3 years old and when we ask him to keep heels down, he kept for few second then forgot. We tried ortho special shoes from amazon and everything, nothing helps him to remember his heels down. Can you please share some tips how we can encourage him. We visited hospital last year, the doctor asked to do feet exercise only
When you see your kid walking on his toes constantly remind him that his feet are going to break. I know it may sound mean or cruel but imprinting that in the childs mind reminds them not to do it because it sound like it would hurt more oppose to walking on their toes. My son is 2 soon to be 3 and we are constantly telling him, " put your feet down or the monsters going to get you." Or " don't put your feet up or they'll break." It's not the nicest way to approach the situation but believe me it works waay better than doing what the doctors say about having them do exercises and then watching your child cry theirselves to sleep every night because their muscles on their poor legs are hurting so bad.
Children who simply toe walk out of habit do not require treatment and usually outgrow the habit. Reminding your child to walk with their heels like you are doing should be sufficient in helping your child outgrow the habit. If you are concerned it might be more than just a habit, seek the professional advice of a podiatrist, preferably a pediatric podiatrist because kids feet are different than adults contrary to belief. Once again, the mass majority of kids do outgrow this habit. If you want to learn more about toe walking and other treatment options, read this article here: pediatricfootankle.com/foot-conditions/toe-walking-pediatric-equinus/
@@PediatricFootAnkle - my 12 yr old niece is still toe walking. No one seems to care, as I never see or hear anyone say anything to her. I’ve tried a few times, but she just gets mad
I’ve also seen videos of adult toe walkers & I’m very concerned- but helpless
Any suggestions?
@@karlkroenen8355 you trying to traumatize your kid? Awfull advice
Very helpful. Thanks
Thanks for watching our video.
Hi, my child is 6 years and she is toe walking. It’s been like that for the past 2 years although the first 4 years since birth she walked normally as a child. This condition started at the age of 4. For the past year we been to different paediatricians and they have advised that she may be suffering from short achilles tendon called tendonitis. We are not based in America, & we are considering to fly in for evaluation and proper diagnosis before we decide whether to surgically operate on our child. When is the best time to call your office and schedule an appointment?
Hello Susu and thanks for your comments. It can be very stressfull trying to figure out what is right and what to do when it comes to treating your children. I only recommend surgery for children that have completely failed conservative care or children that have such a severe deformity that they cannot walk normally at all. Fee free to reach out to our office, I have been doing a lot of telemed appointments over Zoom for consults with parents that are out of state. Best wishes, Dr. Jarman
I wanna know when you strike the floor with heel should you follow through to the ends of the toes to help.increase ankle mobility
A gait of rolling from heel to toe creates a more natural stride but can be difficult and frustrating for toe walkers. It creates a visual effect not structural. The root of toe walking is a tightness in the back of the leg and this is solved by conservative or surgical lengthening of the constriction in the back of the leg.
Thanks for watching our video.
i just do it because its fun, sometimes i do it without realizing. however i can still walk on my feet flat.
Thanks for your comment. If the toe walking is just intermediate here and there it is not much of a concern. Thanks, Dr. Jarman
Hello. My son is 12 yrs old and has been toe walking since about 3yrs old. We tried some physical therapy when he was 4, but it was not consistent. We were told also that he would outgrow it but he still toe walks. He says it is painful to put his heels down when standing. He also has his feet/toes pointing straight out when lying down. It is even difficult for him to do stretching exercises to stretch his Achilles’ tendon. I would like to know if the night splints may still work for him or if surgery is the only option now that he’s older and has been toe walking for awhile. We’d like to try other measures first before surgery but also don’t want to waste time if they likely won’t work. Thank you! Appreciate any advice.
Hello Jennifer, Conservative care is always recommended and night splinting techniques would be the only recommendation that could provide any appreciable change. There are a lot of challenges that you will face with an older child with compliance and depending on the severity it could take years to get enough correction to get your son to walk flat and he still may need more length to walk with full range of motion. Surgical lengthening may be a better option for older children or severe loss of ankle range of motion. A child who is surgical lengthened will be walking normal, with full range of motion in approximately 6 months. Your son really needs to be evaluated by a doctor who performs these surgeries on a regular basis. When getting advice from a doctor who does NOT perform surgical lengthenings you can sometimes get inaccurate information or be placed on a treatment plan that gets mixed outcomes. I hope this helps... Dr. Jarman
my duaghter is 12 now and got her cast off last year for tip toe walking. It is amazing the diffrence and she has no more back pain.th-cam.com/video/uoOGU7z-GPw/w-d-xo.html
So my son had this same issue and nothing helped and got sent to the children's hospital in Madera and they said he grew too fast and they casted both of his feet they made his feet each flat as possible then casted them & he wore for months to help stretch them, then later when removed we could tell a difference he wasn't walking on his toes as high and his feet were alot lower to the ground ...so yes it helped but does my son still walk on his tip toes yes but this method does seem to work if had been re- casted again maybe one more time then would had then stretch enough to possibly actually with feet more flat fully...but thing is the kids wearing casts for month is not comfortable:/ but he was a trooper for sure and was running and playing with those casts on like as tho they were not even on
I am flat footed and often run and walk on my toes and have been since I was very young. I am fourteen now, is this a good thing??
hmm you might want to get that checked out if it’s been going on for that long
Like he says, toe walking can cause problems long term
I'm 45 and I did this until I was around 5 or 6 years old and I have no idea why. I don't even remember when or how I switched to walking normally but I know I never saw a doctor for it. I have ADHD but otherwise I don't have any conditions I'm aware of, and my ADHD is fairly mild now (though it was rather severe in elementary and middle school). My memories of this are very strange. I didn't give it any thought until I was with my biological dad one day (who I didn't see very often) and he told me to stop walking like a girl. From then on I became very self conscious about it and I think this may be the main reason I stopped doing it. Before that I had no idea that what I was doing was usual.
Thank you for sharing your experience.
Glad to hear your condition resolved. That isn't usually common after age 6-7, but glad that did somehow happen for you. Thanks for watching our video.
I'm 10 years old and I still toe walk but I haven't got to a docter yet but I will soon and yes it does hurt when I try to stand flat I agree
Thank you for your comment. I'm glad you are looking to seek advice from a doctor soon. It can be painful to walk flat when you are a toe-walker. Thanks - Dr. Jarman.
Sir my son is toe walking. He is having muscle tone high with stiffness on left ankle. Doc has suggested for MRI scan brian. Does it really required? Or only physiotherapy is enough? Please reply sir.
Thank you for watching the video.
Children with a suspected neurological condition such as CP should have an MRI as advised by their pediatrician.
My son is about to be 5 and is being evaluated in Phx Childrens hospital. They are suggesting Botox and serial casting. I’m not fully convinced. My son is very sensory sensitive and is already traumatized by anyone in scrubs including the school nurse. Out of curiosity I searched up your office and realized it’s in Gilbert. I would love to get your opinion and also wondered if you worked with Phx children’s?
Hello and Thanks for you question. There are many different approaches to toe walking and protocols that are based off of your child's age, severity and other underlying causative factors. Botox and serial casting do have their place, but the patent selection for these treatments can be narrow. I would love to see your son to give you a second opinion. Thanks, Dr. Jarman
Don't listen to these quacks do research on biomechanics and you will find out the just want to sell you on improper heel first walking because it creates life long problems please research
My 9 yr old grandson toe walks, with his right ankle tighter then left. He recently had a mri showing nerve cluster at the end of spine. Pediatrician referred him for surgery. We want to know if braces, PT would help we would like to avoid surgery
Thank you for watching our video and sharing your experience.
A nightbrace could be helpful if the toe walking is indeed coming from a tight Achilles tendon. However, you mention the spinal nerve concern as well. We would always recommend conservative care first.
I can walk normal comfortably but I see myself walking on tippy toes pretty often especially when I’m using stairs alote I walk up or down with my tippy toes then I continue to walk on my tippy toes out of habit, but I often walk on tippy toes anyways I hope there’s no bad side effects from walking on tippy toes cause if they are I’d focus more on walking normally but if there isn’t no bad side effects I’ll just keep doing what’s comfortable
Everyone's comfort level is a bit different. There is treatment available to treat toe walking.
Thanks for your comments.
Hello doctor,
I am 23. I have no issues. I only have an anxiety disorder. I have walked like this my entire life. Will I develop issues? I don't mind this issue because when I wear heels its no different.
I can stand flat with no pain
Hello Hailey and thanks for your comments. The most common complication we see with chronic toe walkers is an abnormal gait and forefoot overload leading to pain under the ball of your foot when standing for long periods of time. Everyones preference is different when it comes to treatment, do I treat or do I not treat. We always recommend treatment as this is a treatable condition. I hope this helps. Thanks, Dr. Jarman
@@PediatricFootAnkle hi
Me 19, walking to my room on my tip toes to watch this video
The best video so far! 👌
Glad you think so!
I'm 30 years old, Aspie (Autistic), been toe-walking all my life
Thanks for your comments. Toe walking unfortunately is not an issue that always just spontaneously resolves. In some cases it does improve, just depends on how severe the condition is and ultimately what is causing it. I hope it helps. Dr. Jarman
hey mate, I am having a problem with my toe when I start walking in heels my posture get worse but if I walk in toes it gets alright? can u recommend me something to cure this?
Bowen Therapy may help. It does for the soft tissue what chiropractic does for the spine. Chiropractic in conjunction with Bowen Therapy may be better still.
Thanks for your comments, I am familiar with Bowen therapy and agree there are connections with tight fascia in the body and toe walking, for example there is a relationship between toe walking and tongue tie in children. I however, am not an advocate for Bowen therapy in the treatment of toe walking as the main steam medial treatment therapies work great. Thanks, Dr. Jarman
@@PediatricFootAnkle Perhaps you would reconsider Bowen if you met Judy Terwilliger of Flexibly Fit in Sacramento, CA. She has delivered impressive results using Bowen.
I'm 14 but started getting called out for it the previous year.I was called a penguin but didn't really care back then.Now I've done a lot of research and I figured it was just a habit, but will also do excersise because I feel a little pain on my ankles sometimes.
Now I started walking heel to toe and at first it felt unatural and weird, but now I do it naturally.
Thank you for watching our video and sharing your experience.
I did this in kindergarten because I didn't like to walk on the cold floor. They thought I had a medical condition. Took some time to explain my problem.
Thanks for watching our video.
My son started walking when he was 12 months. Now at 16 months he's still toe walking. He occasionally walks flat, and when he's running his feet is flat!
Thanks for watching our video and sharing about your son's gait.
Typically we are not concerned with toe walking till about age 3.
This is a watch and wait situation. Let us now if you have any further concerns we might be able to guide you on.
Im 37 years old man I have the same problem walking on toe is possible to get surgery on my foot’s?
Thanks for watching our video.
The link below may help in exploring that option.
members.apma.org/members/FindPodiatrist
My 4 year old has sensory processing order, and still toe walks, he's almost 5.. He can flat foot walk when reminded, but that lasts 1 second or 2 seconds. Not sure who to contact. He was diagnosed with autism, while that was 2 years ago, he is very neurotypical except for the SPD to textures and sound sometimes.
Hello Will and thanks for your comments! A good workup by a specialist who treats toe walking is essential to make sure the condition is being treated correctly. Night bracing is the gold standard for treatment 90% of the time. Please check out The American College of Foot and Ankle Pediatrics (ACFAP) website for a doctor near you that treats toe walking; unfortunately the internet and others who don't really treat it give out poor advise . Best of luck! Dr. Jarman
my now 12 year old has been going through this her whole life now. we finally got serial casting.
@@PediatricFootAnkle We have had him in daily braces for 3-4 months now. As soon as the braces come off,, back to toe walking and running. We have tightened the brace straps, went back in for a recheck etc..and it's all working as intended, but so far results not working. He wears the braces from 9am to 7pm daily. Weekends he gets a little bit of a rest from it. His nanny and us do a really good job and he doesn't hate wearing them, they just don't seem to be working. We have been starting stretching routines etc.. But, it's one aspect we have to get more consistent on. Just not sure what else to do about this.
@@touchoflighthomesteadmexico We do bracing, and it just doesn't seem to be working. And he wears the braces 8 hour a day.
I used to tiptoe a lot as a kid, but it was mostly on cold floors, because we have hard wood and tile flooring in the kitchen and other areas of the house.
Probably undressed, but about the last week or so, my Achilles tendon has been really sore on my right foot and idk if I did something or what happened. I haven’t even been as active (which I guess may be a cause too), I can’t think of anything that might have caused it like stress or some kind of injury, or if it’s just a new ache/pain I have to add to the list (including my knees and back from flat feet and strained back muscles).
Thanks for watching the video and sharing your experience.
An evaluation with a podiatrist would be helpful to determine the cause of the pain you are experiencing on your right achilles; they could also address treatment for flat feet.
When my parents noticed I toe walked which is not always but I do it very often in cases of areas where my feet feel like they need to balance themselves like that, something the doctors did is that they added me those things you can’t walk with on your feet, like what they do to you when you break a bone on your arm or something, they said that the Achilles’ tendon had to be stretched longer, I have been months with those and I still walk on my toes, also another thing I have is penguin walk which is my feet are wrong positioned on the sides
Thanks for your comment. Dr. Jarman
It's so weird seeing this. I did this throughout my childhood and well into adulthood. I'm in my mid 30s and still occasionally do it, but only when barefoot. No one ever said anything to me.
Thanks for watching our video.
My son is almost 8 and has been a toe walker since he started walking .. he has a well visit coming up and bringing this up to address. My going to assume serial casting..I have read great things. My question is.... Would you suggest going,or cancelling a summer camping trip if he's in 2 casts? It's a very wooden area with big rocks and things.
Hello and thanks for your questions. Regarding having a cast and camping in the woods should not be too much of a concern. It will get dirty and likely break down if he is walking on it. If great care was taken to keep it dry/clean/intact he should be fine. I hope this helps. Dr. Jarman
Hi my Child is 2and half year old he do toe walking some doctor suggest us for physiotherapy??what should we do?
So many factors to sift through with a 2 year old. Based off of a silfverskiold test it determines if it is structural or sensory. This determine the type of bracing and if PT has merit. A good workup by someone who see this everyday and also does surgery is strongly recommended. Not that your child needs surgery, its important to understand those who truly fix toe walking actually know what they are talking about... I hope this helps. Dr. Jarman
I’m 23, I’m not on my FULL toes but my heel doesn’t touch the floor, even when I walk up stairs I’m in my tip toes like I got on heels! I have to actually realize I’m doing it to correct it, but I’ve never had any pains…
Also, my calves are amazing.
Glad to hear there is no discomfort. Pain usually drives intervention.
If not getting your heels down is something you want to address in the future, a consult with a podiatrist would be a good move.
Thanks for watching and sharing your experience.
My daughter is 14 months old. She has not walked flat footed yet, only on her toes. Doctor suggested day brace, her tendon is very tight.
Should I wait to see if she does walk flat footed . She’s only 14 months old.
Toddlers often toe walk. However, by age 3, they should be using their entire foot. Bracing is helpful in stretching the achilles tendon. Your child's pediatric podiatrist will know the best plan of care for your daughter at this age.
Thank you for commenting.
Is your daughter still toe walking? I’m really desperate in finding a solution for my toddler
@@Ann_Aa1 She is now 2 and is walking mostly flat footed. At times she still toe walks and I correct her and he goes back to flat foot.
@@mcarlucci8559 that’s great! Do you think the day brace helped or she just outgrew it?
@@Ann_Aa1 she didn't wear any brace
I'm 16 and i still walk on my toes, i walk on my flat feet when I'm out and about to not get bullied or anything, but its comfortable when I'm at home
Glad to hear you are able to walk with a heel toe gait when you want to.
Thanks for watching our video and sharing your experience
Hi doc I just had a bilateral tendon lengthening surgery last feb. 02 / 22 doc i just wanna asking if i still need physical therapy? My surgeon said i don't need to... Please reply doc Thank you! ☺️
Are you done your surgery...
@@babiescareinfo1606 yes
@@Senorita_jesusa now you able to walk flat feet...my 2 years old daughter walk on her toes sometimes but running fully toes without balance cannot able to jump....her calf very tight and big compare with other kids...we her right leg no balance left leg stiff...we are worrying about her mam
@@babiescareinfo1606 yes i can stand n walk flat footed now.. hope your daughter get better too :)
@@Senorita_jesusa thank you mam
Can a 24 year old adult get results with night splinting or lengthening surgery? Any downside to surgery?
.
Thanks for you questions. Yes, of course there can be treatment for an young adult. The recommendation would be surgical to correct toe walking at this age but the outcome would be the same if you were younger. I hope this helps! Dr. Jarman
how could i approach you for my son's treatment please advise....
Thank you for watching our video.
pediatricfootankle.com/contact-directions/
My son was just diagnosed with mild autism and walks on his toes. He is currently wearing serial casting for 3 weeks , not sure if this will help.
Serial casting has pros and cons. Its all about the age of the child and the severity of their toe walking. Most of these kids regress after the cast are taken off and toe walk again, if they are not splinted afterwords. It comes does to what your doctor is recommending based off the literature and their experience. It is normal to see a child with autism toe walk that can spontaneously improve as they age from 3 years to 5 years. I hope this helps. Dr. Jarman
I'm an autistic adult and have toe walked my entire life, my feet are pretty much flat so it's hard to even notice except for wear and tear on shoes. Honestly main drawback I've ever suffered is my footsteps tend to be rather quiet and it can scare people because I'm a pretty large guy and pretty silent on my feet.
Thank you for your comment.
I walk both ways, only on my toes sometimes for like 17 seconds at home maybe once every like three months, maybe 3 or more, nothing to do with pain or anything, I’m just tall and heavy so my calves are fucking ripped and it’s easy to just flex to myself that I can do it with ease.
Glad there's no discomfort and you are able to walk with your heels down. Thanks for commenting.
I was bed ridden in the hospital and had to re learn to walk. I did that on my toes at 6. Any suggestions on how to fix it now
Thank you for watching our video. You did not mention your current age, but a medical consult with a podiatrist would be helpful.
Without an exam, we cannot make a recommendation.
Thank you for sharing your experience.
If you have any further questions, a contact link is noted.
pediatricfootankle.com/contact-directions/
My son will be 3 end of September. We saw physical therapist who agreed we needed to see a neurosurgeon. Neurosurgeon did mris and observed. We also saw a urologist and urodynamics testing done. Both doctors released us saying they do not believe the issue is tethered cord syndrome. My son has awful leg, Back, hip, foot , and toe pain. Sometimes it wakes him up at night and he can't bear to sit in his carseat on long rides. He does toe walk but not constantly when he does toe walk it's on the tops of his toe nails/toes it gets so bad sometimes that his toe nails Crack and break.
Pediatrician is considering orthopedics or rheumatologist for our next step. Do you have any suggestions/opinions on if we should skip these and see a podiatrist? Please and thank you!
We hope you have gotten some answers on your son's condition.
If you are interested in a consult with Dr. Jarman, the link is noted below.
pediatricfootankle.com/contact-directions/
I have autism and I toe walk even at 20 years old. Helps me to think and though it hurts after a long time, I keep better balance when I’m flat on my feet when I do it repeatedly
You noted you are able to put your feet flat. If you wished to extend that time with your heels down and walk with a heel/toe gait, a consult with a podiatrist may be a good course of action. Thank you for your comment.
I have walked in my tip toes my whole life . The only weird thing I’ve had is both of my big toes crack a lot but I don’t know if that’s because of the toe walking or if it’s just my joints in my toes.
This is not something we are typically told by our toe walking patients. Also, you don't mention if you have any discomfort.
Consider a consult with a qualified provider if it concerns you.
We have provided a link below that may help.
Thanks for watching our video.
www.apma.org/
I know what scared me straight was a bloke I had helped once he used to walk on his toes and so had a tight tendon I used to do the same he was simply walking on the beach and had his tendon snap said it was the worst pain he’s ever had and it was from walking on his toes he was warned and didn’t correct it, the simple thought of walking my kid down the beach an that happening has always stuck in my mind and I make sure correct myself
Thanks for watching our video.
My brother when he very young started to walk and then ran on his toes. My mother got him a bike and within a few weeks he no longer walked or ran on his toes.
Thanks for watching our video
Is there any recommendations 4 the Yolds?! I'm 28yrs & have been dealing ever since I could walk!! I was born at 2lbs & if I ate I'd sudden be 3lbs. I'm mentally 13-17yrs however my body is physically 28yrs!!
If your toe walking is a concern, a consult with a podiatrist would be helpful.The link below might help you find someone in your area.
www.apma.org/Directory/FindAPodiatrist.cfm?navItemNumber=24199
**Toe-walking is a feature, not a bug**
I'm 32 years old. I've been walking on my toes since I first took my very first step. I can effortlessly alternate between toewalking and heel-toe with no discomfort at all. I much prefer to toewalk in the comfort of my own home, or pretty much anytime I am barefoot. My balance & leg strength is far superior to my non-toewalking peers. When I used to play hockey as a kid, I could skate faster than anyone else in the entire league because I had more strength to control the sharp edge of my skate better. I was also a runner in track & field, which allowed me to get into the nationals for the 100m dash sprint. I have zero physical issues with my feet into adulthood and I strongly believe toe walking is NOT a pathological issue. It doesn't need to be "corrected", but instead adapted so that children can grow with the ability to do amazing things that many others are unable to. The key is to teach your children to use toewalking as an opportunity to increase the strength & flexibility, rather than letting it be a limiting factor.
In this way, I feel toe-walking is extremely misunderstood & I would even hypothesize it could be a linked to an evolutionary trait in humans. Normal walking for heel to toe is encouraged exclusively by the use of modern shoes with a small toe box & unnecessary amount heel cushioning which leads to bunions & weakened muscles in the feet; causing flat feet. Successful toe-walkers don't typically have these types of issues, as long as they use it to improve their foot health.
In many countries, where NOT wearing shoes is more common, there is less stigma associated with toe-walking. Many of the greatest known soccer players learned to walk barefoot growing up in such areas of the world. I'd be curious to know how many of them may also be toe-walkers, too. I remember watching a documentary about a study trying to understand what makes the fastest runners able to run as fast as they do. The conclusion they came to was that the primary factor in speed is determined by how hard the runner can strike the ground with their forefoot before every stride. So, it seems to me that the science behind toewalking is definitely in need of some more research.
Thanks for watching our video and sharing your experience.
I’m 15 and I’ve been toe walking my whole life my parents haven’t done anything about it’s starting to be uncomfortable and hurt idk what to do..
Thank you for watching our video. A good discussion with your parents seems appropriate, don't you think? Then possibly, an evaluation with a medical provider. Maybe watching our video with your parents would be helpful. Our videos are designed to educate.
I pick my skin and I sometimes do it on my feet so for me (being a teenager) it’s more comfortable
What if your child walks on the tops of his toes? Is that considered toe walking too? Like curls the toes under his foot and walks on the opposite side of the ball of the foot (imagine the toenails are facing the floor). My four year old walks this way a lot, but not all the time. I have no idea how he even does it because it looks painful, but he seems unbothered by it.
Your child may have an extreme fore for ligamentous laxity that allows the foot to bend that way. If it is causing pain or not improving, it would be recommend to see a specialists. Thanks for your comments, Dr. Jarman
My 3 years old boy doing same since one year not under 2 , Suddenly it happened pls share anything regarding this issues n also speech is also very less
Thanks for your comment! Toe walking is not straight forward diagnosis, age, severity and the frequency of the toe walking that determine the appropriate interventions. I would recommend following up with a specialist in your area! -Dr. Jarman
Dr. Jarmin, I have looked at your website, and the links in the description and haven’t found an email address to reach you or your partners in your practice. I would love to communicate with you about a second opinion for 2 of my children. Or at least get your opinion of the Hospital, Surgeon, and Neurology team we have been seeing this far for my son’s clubfoot, and my daughter’s tippy toeing. Thank you
Hello and thanks for your comment. Dr. Jarman does provide virtual consultations for out-of-state and international inquiries, which can be requested via the contact form here: pediatricfootankle.com/contact-directions/
Hope that helps!
- Pediatric Foot & Ankle
Does surgery interfere with sports? My son loves baseball, but I’m afraid it can get in the middle of what he loves to do.
Hi Ralph, there are many conservative treatment options to consider before surgery. Surgery is the last option. A few things to consider:
Is your son's toe walking the result of heel pain? Sometimes kids will walk on their toes to try to keep pressure off their heel because it hurts. There could be a few causes of heel pain, but the most common by far is a condition called Sever's disease (not as scary as it sounds).
Here is are some links to some more information that might help:
Children's heel pain common causes: pediatricfootankle.com/foot-conditions/pediatric-heel-pain/
Sever's Disease: pediatricfootankle.com/foot-conditions/severs-disease/
Children's custom orthotics: pediatricfootankle.com/childrens-orthotics/
Hope that helps!
Pediatric Foot & Ankle
My mom always told my doctor that I walk on my toes and they kept telling her that I would grow out of it but I never did and they never listened to her when she said she was concerned about it bc apparently I would grow out of it. When I was 14 my calves started getting super super tight and it was very painful to walk. I had Achilles tendon lengthening surgery on my left foot when I was 16 and it helped a lot but now I need to have tendon shortening surgery on Wednesday because they lengthened it too long and now I can’t push off on my foot. And then next year I’m gonna need surgery to lengthen my right leg but this new doctor said he would lengthen my calf muscle instead of my Achilles tendon
This is why an accurate diagnosis is so important. The type of Equinus you have determines the the kind of lengthening procedure needed. It sounds like your new doctor may have more experience than the first one.
Hope all goes well. Thank you for watching our video.
@@PediatricFootAnkle thank you!
@@PediatricFootAnkle hey, I had the surgery Wednesday morning and everything’s been fine, the doctor said there was a lot of scar tissue from the previous surgery that he had to clean up and that he shortened my tendon about 2.5 cm I believe, which I feel like is a lot and hopefully I don’t go back to walking on my toes 😬. My whole body is sore right now, I don’t remember if it was sore when I had my last surgery but like my butt and back and even my face and neck are sore and idk why. I’m in a splint right now but on Tuesday I think they’re gonna put me in a hard cast, which I didn’t have last surgery. Last surgery I was in a splint and then a week later I was in a walking boot but I still wasn’t allowed to put pressure on my foot until 2 weeks after I got the walking boot, which was so inconvenient bc I just had to wear a giant walking boot all the time and couldn’t even walk with it on.
Hoping your recovery goes well. Thank you for sharing that update.
Im 18 and dont do this very often or am probably unaware im doing it but, until i was about ten i did ,and still do sometimes my mom never noticed so she never brought it up to a doctor but i was diagnosed clinically with severe adhd but i can comfortably walk flat on my feet all day
It sounds like you overcame your toe walking since you are able to walk comfortably with a heel/toe gait.
Thank you for watching our video and sharing your experience.
Im 14 and been toe walking most of my life and recently it has been really hard to walk flat and the back of my foot hurts alot, trying to figure out what to do
Thank you for watching our video. A suggestion, since you said there is discomfort, would be to see a pediatric podiatrist for an evaluation. They would be able to recommend a specific plan of care. If you do not have one available where you live, the link below may be helpful.
pediatricfootankle.com/contact-directions/
Hi there , Just a Short question in Front my nephew walks since more Then 3 years on His Tippy None of there Parents did anything to do Something about IT , my sister tould me its over wenn He is a growing Up , i believe its Not , please Tell me im the unkle , without beeing the Bad Guy to Tell my sister what she Had to do ? Kind regards from Belgium
Thanks for your comments and excited to hear from our Belgium friends! A lot of parents will watch and wait to see if their child will outgrow toe walking. It is true that it will improve over time but it never really goes away. There is a lot of compensation that occurs with the other soft tissues. You will start to see your child will develop a sever bounce when they walk and their toes will turn out. I recommend early intervention with bracing at night as these children respond very well to it. I hope this helps! Dr. Jarman
I walk on my tip toes and am 12 becomeing 13 in a couple weeks. I have gone to a doctor and they told me I have a short achieles tenden. I am takeing therapy for it next week. I'm nervous because if that doesn't work I might need surgery. It has always been more comfortable walking on my tip toes. But more harder to walk flat footed.
Hopefully therapy will help that area of concern. If it does not, an evaluation by a pediatric podiatrist would be also be appropriate. They can offer both conservative and non-conservative options of care. Possibly something to discuss with your parents.
Thanks for watching our video.