Tippy Toes

Christine - posted on 08/16/2011

My daughter has been walking on her tippy toes since she is a toddler, she is now 6, I've also mentioned everytime we go for a well visit but they do not think she has a problem, I just am concerned if it's unhealthy for her toes or not - her calf muscles are so strong and very defined from this, many people tell me she will do well in ballet but at her next well visit I plan to ask again because I think it's strange that she does this.

Joni - posted on 05/13/2010

My daughter is 5. I've mentioned it to her dr at every well baby visit (the last one was this week.) He said it would be a problem if it impacted her achellies tendon. But he bent her foot, made her walk flat, stand still, jump... and said that she seems fine. He told me to buy a sneaker with a good arch support that fits correctly so the arch is in the correct place on her foot for her to wear most of the time for playing. He also told me to give gentle reminders to walk flat. Def. mention it to your dr at the next visit, esp if your child seems to be in pain when you flex her foot.

I think this is just another way for my child to assure me she is a princess ballerina. lol

Kelly - posted on 05/12/2010

My step son who is now 16 always walked on his tippy toes. If he had his shoes on he wouldnt but when his shoes were off thats how he walked. The dr had said at one time that he will eventually have problems later on with I think his calves or legs so you will probably want to try to make it so your child does not walk that way or may have problems down the line.

Laurie - posted on 02/03/2010

My daughter is 4 1\2y\o and does the same thing. She always has and especially when she is excited. We are in the process of looking into this right now and will let you know!

Carol - posted on 02/02/2010

My 9 year old is always on his toes. I did bring him to a specialist who suggested that we try to condition him to walk on his heels any time we saw him on his toes. There are also some insoles that could help. There are a few health concerns if it continues, mostly about the muscle development. I finally brought him to the specialist because my mother has the same trait and at only 62 she is now having some serious walking issues (maybe arthritis but may be related to muscle development)

Since seeing the therapist I've heard that there is a link to autism, as in - kids with autism are more likely to walk on their toes than kids without. I'm only saying that so you don't freak out if you come across the same thing. I have a friend who's son has severe autism and it was very obvious by about 2 years old. I'd assume that if you didn't already know or suspect other signs of autism that this is just a possible common trait.

Hope this helps.

Ruth - posted on 01/28/2010

My daughter walks on her toes all the time she is 2yrs 5mts and i was a bit worried about it so i made an appointment to see my health visitor, so anyway she came to see chloe and supervised her walking, playing, running etc and told me that everything was allright as she puts her feet flat when standing still if there was a problem she would stand on her toes all the time. hope this allright ruth xx ps it is some thing to do with the ligaments in the back of the legs.

Robyn - posted on 01/27/2010

Hi Angie, I still havent heard anything from any of my friends and family why my daughter walks on her tippy toes, no one has an answer. I have not spoken with anyone who is a professional either, but yes i will let you know if i hear anything from anybody. Thanks, robyn

ANGIE - posted on 01/17/2010

I HAVE A FIVE YR OLD WHO DOES THE SAME THING. IT IS TO THE POINT NOW THAT HER TOES ARE BADLY CALLUSED. I DONT KNOW IF IT IS NORMAL BUT I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW. I HAVE HEARD FROM ALOT OF PEOPLE (NONE PROS) SO IF YOU FIND THE ANSWER PLEASE LET ME KNOW AND I WILL DO THE SAME THANKS, ANGIE