Possible causes of tiptoe walking
Equineism is a bad motor boss. This is a bad way of walking that the child has learned and continues to use. In the majority of cases (75% of cases), equineism has no medical cause or underlying pathology, and it is possible that the gait disorder disappears without treatment.
Walking on tiptoe can also be a sign of proprioceptive, vestibular, orthopedic, neuromuscular or even visual perception impairment. It may be due to hypersensitivity of the feet, a lack of flexibility in the calves or even due to a more serious neurological disorder (e.g. cerebral palsy, neuromuscular disease).
A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics showed that more than 40% of children with developmental delays or neuropsychiatric disorders, such as autism, walk or have walked on tiptoes.
It is therefore important to have your child assessed by a qualified health professional if he or she walks on tiptoe to rule out these pathologies (physiotherapist, podiatrist, family doctor or pediatrician).
The consequences of persistent tiptoeing
Since the bones and muscles of the legs are not designed to walk on tiptoes at all times, untreated equinus in a child can have long-term consequences on their musculoskeletal system.
Here are some examples:
Shortening of the Achilles tendons, which increases the risk of inflammation of the Achilles tendons in adolescence or adulthood
Underdevelopment of the arch muscles, which increases the risk of foot pain
Muscle imbalance in the legs
Pain in the legs and/or lower back
Decreased balance
Delay in acquiring motor skills on one foot (example: jumping on one foot)
Motor and integration difficulty in sports
Four tips from our professionals for walking on tiptoe
Whether it is an approach without a medical cause or with a medical cause, it is possible to help correct equineism in several ways to avoid repercussions in adulthood.
Here are some tips you can use if your child walks on tiptoe:
Choose espadrilles with a raised heel to promote contact of the heel with the ground. If necessary, a podiatrist can also prescribe a heel pad for your child to put in their sneakers;
Encourage walking barefoot on uneven, unstable and different surfaces (grass, sand, mattresses, carpets);
Massage your child’s feet, focusing on the heel area every day;
Provide positive reinforcement when the child presses his heel to the ground when walking. Avoid scolding for tiptoeing.
If despite your first efforts the tiptoe gait persists, contact us for a physiotherapy or podiatry consultation.