Toe Walking
By Jessica Jordan, MS, OTR/L
What do we mean by “toe walking”?
When an individual walks on the toes or ball of their foot without the heel or other parts of the foot coming in contact with the floor.
Picture of an individual’s feet bouncing upward on a trampoline surrounded by leaves.
Why does it occur?
Physical (a short Achilles tendon can prevent the heel from touching the ground, tightness in muscles/tendons),
Neurological (some conditions like Cerebral Palsy and Muscular Dystrophy can impact posture, motor control and muscle tone),
An individual who may be seeking more input (toe walking places more pressure through a smaller surface area of the foot, providing increased tactile or proprioceptive input),
An individual who may be avoiding input (increased sensitivity to the tactile feedback of the ground under their feet),
Lastly, toe walking may occur to provide an individual with more visual input (toe walking can provide a better awareness of surroundings).
Are there things we can do to help toe walkers?
Here are a few of our favorite activities or strategies that we recommend in order to help individuals or families who are looking to relieve some of the toe walking that may be occurring in their bodies or a loved ones!
It is important to note that consultation with a skilled provider such an OT or PT should occur in order to determine the underlying reason why an individual or loved one may be toe walking!
Activities & Strategies
Providing alternative footwear (i.e. maybe heavier shoes or those with minimal padding) so an individual who may be avoiding or seeking certain inputs can be provided with such
Providing material inserts in shoes to provide additional tactile input if necessary
Proprioceptive exercises encouraging increased input to the feet including marching, stomping, jumping to encourage and increase heel contact with the ground
Proprioceptive activities for the whole body such as climbing, crashing, gymnastics, intentional motor work, exercise, running, walking, etc.
For younger individuals engaging in play based activities including (i.e. walk like a bear with all fours on the ground, walk like a penguin with heels down and toes up)
Additional auditory or visual feedback to promote heel to toe gate including: shoes that make sounds or light up when the heel strikes the ground (ones with “squeakers” in them to encourage walking with flat feet), walking in front of mirrors, the use of tactile footprint cutouts on the floor to promote alignment while walking.
Participation in activities while standing on a dynamic surface to support and facilitate weight bearing through the full plantar surface of the foot. For example: jumping with two feet in/out of a small hula hoop or hoop ladder, squat to stand activities on a foam balance pad or inflatable disc cushion and/or standing on an incline wedge while completing an activity.
Or lastly, activities sitting on a scooter board and moving the scooter board across the floor using the heels of the feet.
Two individuals weight bearing into their hands and feet side by side
Comment below!
Have you tried any of these strategies before? Is there anything you’ve found most helpful for yourself or a loved one! Let us know below. :)