Understanding Toe Walking
Toe walking is a condition where children walk on their toes or the balls of their feet instead of using a typical heel-to-toe walking pattern. While this is common in toddlers learning to walk, it usually resolves naturally as a child grows. When it persists beyond early childhood, it may indicate an underlying medical or developmental condition.
At Mary Free Bed Kids, our pediatric rehabilitation specialists work closely with families to determine the cause of toe walking and create individualized treatment plans to help kids walk comfortably and safely.
Idiopathic Toe Walking (ITW)
Idiopathic toe walking (ITW) refers to walking on the toes without a known medical reason. It’s considered a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning it’s identified after ruling out other possible causes. Although many children with ITW eventually develop a normal walking pattern, persistent toe walking can lead to tight muscles, balance issues and coordination challenges. Our specialists help identify whether intervention is needed and provide therapies that promote proper gait development.
Possible Medical Causes
In rarer cases, toe walking may be related to an underlying medical condition. Our Pediatric Team evaluates each child thoroughly to identify or rule out potential causes, which may include:
- Spinal cord abnormalities
- Neurological conditions
- Cerebral palsy
- Muscular dystrophy
- Autism spectrum disorder
If a medical cause is identified, our multidisciplinary care team—including pediatric physiatrists, neurologists and therapists—provides coordinated treatment to support optimal outcomes.
Treatment for Toe Walking
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your child’s toe walking. Our pediatric physiatrists (physicians who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation) lead an interdisciplinary team to create an individualized plan for your child.
Depending on your child’s needs, treatment options may include:
- Physical therapy to stretch and strengthen muscles
- Alternative footwear for gait support
- Bracing with ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs)
- Nighttime stretching braces to improve flexibility
- Serial casting to gradually lengthen tight muscles
- Injectable medications (when clinically indicated)
Our therapists may also teach exercises to improve coordination, balance and sensory feedback, helping kids gain confidence in every step.
Your Child’s Care Team
At Mary Free Bed Kids, your child’s care is personalized and supported by a dedicated interdisciplinary team. Our goal is to identify the root cause, improve movement and empower families through education and hands-on guidance. Your team may include:
- Pediatric physiatrists who evaluate and guide treatment
- Physical and occupational therapists specializing in pediatric gait, motor development and sensory processing.
- Orthotists from Mary Free Bed Orthotics, Prosthetics + Bionics who custom-fit braces or orthoses
- Pediatric specialists offering supportive therapies
Together, they provide comprehensive care for children with idiopathic or medically related toe walking.
Why Choose Mary Free Bed Kids
Families choose Mary Free Bed Kids for our collaborative approach to pediatric rehabilitation. We combine medical expertise, advanced technology and compassionate care to help children walk, move and play with confidence. We offer:
- Pediatric specialists with expertise in gait and balance disorders
- Individualized, evidence-based therapy plans
- Seamless coordination between therapy, orthotics and medical teams
- Family education and ongoing support for home-based progress
At Mary Free Bed Kids, we believe every child deserves to move freely and grow strong—one confident step at a time.
Begin Your Child’s Journey
If your child consistently walks on their toes or has difficulty developing a typical gait, we can help. Our pediatric specialists will work with your family to help your child build balance, strength and confidence from the ground up.
