Toe Walking
Toe walking can be common among young children with a variety of causes, some of these causes need to be address and others it is a phase of development.
Symptoms
Toe walking, or Equinus Gait, occurs when a person walks on their toes with their heels off the ground. While this is common in children learning to walk, it can indicate a more serious condition, especially if there is limited ankle range of motion.
Treatment
Most cases of toe walking are simply a habit that children outgrow as their legs and feet develop. However, it can also be caused by more serious conditions like cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, leg length discrepancies, spinal cord abnormalities, and Achilles tendon shortness. Mild Achilles tendon shortness can be corrected with stretching exercises and physical therapy. Orthotics can be used along with night splints that can assist with rectifying this condition.
