Toe walking

Toe walking means your child walks on the balls of their feet, with their heels not (or barely) touching the ground. It can show up in different ways:

• only sometimes (often when excited or rushing)
• most of the time, even in shoes
• on one side more than the other

Some children can place their heels down when reminded, while others find it hard. You might notice faster shoe wear at the toes or frequent tripping.

Toe walking can happen for a few reasons. Often it’s idiopathic (meaning there’s no clear medical cause)—your child can usually walk flat-footed, but prefers tiptoes.

Other contributors can include:

• tight calf muscles
• sensory preferences (some children like the feeling of being on their toes)
• differences in coordination or development
• neurological or muscle conditions (less common)

Because causes vary, the most helpful next step is an assessment rather than guessing.

Toe walking can become a problem when it happens most of the time and starts to change how your child’s muscles and feet develop.

If toe walking continues, it can affect the shape and posture of the feet and ankles, causing stiffness, discomfort, or imbalance.

Early advice can help protect developing muscles and reduce the chance of longer-term changes. If you’re unsure, it’s always okay to check in with a professional.

Getting checked doesn’t mean something is wrong—it simply helps you understand what support, if any, is needed.

At an appointment, we’ll ask about when the toe walking started, how often it happens, and whether your child can walk with heels down when prompted.

We’ll watch their walking and gently check calf flexibility, strength, balance, and foot posture. If anything suggests an underlying medical cause, we’ll recommend working with your GP/paediatrician and (often) a physiotherapist.

Support is usually step-by-step, based on what’s driving the toe walking. Options may include:

• stretching and strengthening with a physiotherapist
• footwear advice and at-home activities that encourage heel contact
• orthoses, such as custom foot orthoses, stiff foot plates, or an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO)—a brace that supports the ankle and foot

At Orthokids, we provide child-friendly assessments, custom orthoses, and can liaise with your physio or paediatrician. We’ll review progress as your child grows.

Orthoses can help your child place their heels down more easily by supporting the foot and ankle in a stable, aligned position. Over time, this can reduce calf tightness, improve balance, and encourage a more typical walking pattern. Many children become more confident on their feet and tire less quickly once they’re supported.

Every child progresses at their own pace, so outcomes can vary. Some children may eventually transition to lighter support or no support at all as their strength and flexibility improve and walking pattern improve. Regular reviews help make sure the orthoses continue to meet your child’s needs.

Referrals aren’t necessary for a number of appointments. If you’d like your child assessed for head shape, toe walking or mobility, you can simply book an appointment online or by phone on 03 9836 4480.

Some conditions do need a referral however. For conditions such as hip dysplasia, scoliosis or pectus, or for management of fractures or acute injury, you’ll need a referral from your GP or other medical specialist.

If you’re unsure, feel free to contact us and we can help out.

Yes we do! We’re able to assist with a number of funding options and can help with funding applications and support documentation.

If your child isn’t eligible for NDIS funding, there are other options that might be available to you.

Feel free to contact us to discuss your needs.

Making an appointment is easy. You can book online for many different types of appointments. Otherwise, feel free to contact us if you can’t find what you’re looking for.