If you are a parent of a toddler, you may have seen your child walking on his toes. Toe walking is the habit of walking on the tip of the toes. This is mostly seen in the kids when they just begin to walk. In most cases, with time they grow out of it. Normally it completely disappears after the age of three. However, if it goes on beyond this age, you may need to consult a physician regarding this habit.

Causes of toe walking in children :

In Montessori La Puente, CA many students have the habit of toe walking. So, according to the teachers, it is very common among children and there is nothing to worry about it. However, toe walking may have some underlying causes and conditions. For your help, some of the causes of toe walking in kids are discussed below.

Short Achilles tendon :

Having a short Achilles tendon may be one of the reasons for toe walking in children. Kids who have short Achilles tendon will experience difficulty in stretching it completely. This may encourage them to walk on their toes and prevent them from standing flat on their feet.

Cerebral Palsy :

A few particular types of cerebral palsy may cause difficulty in standing and walking properly. For example, Spastic Cerebral Palsy is known to make the muscles around the feet very stiff. This stiffness can make children walk on their toes. As per the teachers of the Montessori La Puente, CA, sometimes, premature babies suffer from a brain hemorrhage and that may cause cerebral palsy which may lead to toe walking in children.

Periventricular Leukomalacia :

Sometimes it has been observed that premature babies suffer from nerve damage and that may lead to difficulty in walking. Children who can not walk properly tend to walk on their toes.

Spastic Hemiplegia :

Sometimes, because of the cerebral palsy, the Achilles tendon in the kids can be pulled up very tight making it hard for them to place their feet flat on the ground. This is called Spastic Hemiplegia and most of the time this condition leads to toe walking.

Autism and language delays :

Autistic children and children with developmental issues can have prolonged toe walking. This can also slow down the process of language and social development.

Idiopathetic toe walking :

If your child does not have any underlying problems leading to toe walking but continues to walk on his toes, it can be idiopathetic toe walking. In such cases, children have normal leg and ankle movements and have developed toe walking as a habit.

Risk and complications of toe walking in children :

Though toe walking is considered to be a normal habit in children, according to Montessori La Puente, CA, teachers prolonged toe walking may cause damage to the joints and the muscles of the kids and even increase the risk of falling and stumbling. He may also be subject to ridicule by his peers as he grows which will harm his healthy development. So, if your child is not outgrowing the habit of toe walking, please consult a doctor and follow what he says.