Kevin discusses idiopathic toe walking as well as the pros and cons of common treatment options with emphasis on the SMO with plantarflexion stop. - Kevin Matthews, CO/LO
Help. I did ballet when I was 5 but stopped when I was 9, I still do it and I can't even stand up on my heels how do I stop that? Although, when I wear my shoes I walk normally?
This video showed up in my recommended section. I recorded a video on CZcams a few years ago about living as an idiopathic toe walker (search for Kerry Hyder Idiopathic toe walking) Currently as I write this, I am 52 years old, female. In the early 70's as an eight year old child, my parents set out to "fix" me. I've done it all (except botox, as that wasn't available in the 70's.) Physical therapy, serial casting and dorsiflexing back for nearly a year, ATL surgery, and braces. None of it worked. I laugh at the serial casting now, looking back, because I was walking on my toes in the casts. The ATL surgery had me back in casts post surgery and at that point I could no longer walk on my toes. The ugly scars are still there, and the ATL didn't "take." I can attest that everything you've stated is truth. It is very difficult to find shoes that fit me now, and my legs are very strong, especially at the thighs. I can walk flat footed, but I cannot walk on only my heels. My feet do not dorsiflex far enough to enable heel walking. I toe walk out of habit and it is my normality, I have no sensory or medical issues that cause toe walking. To add to the oddity that is "me," I am unable to stand up straight (flat footed) with my feet pointed forward. If I try to stand with feet forward, I will fall backward. I stand with my feet splayed out (duck foot posture) or stand on the balls of my feet. I prefer to be barefoot and on my toes in my home, but I mostly walk flat footed in shoes outside the home. More to avoid the stares or questions I might otherwise get. Barefoot flat footed walking feels weird and uncomfortable to me, I rarely walk that way. I am unable to run heel to toe, either with or without shoes. I run on my toes with a running gate, legs stretched out (as apposed to a spring knee as you demonstrated in your video above.) I have not experienced any hammer toe issues, and my feet have high arches. As I get older, I have not experienced any issues in my knees or hips at all. I will say that I did not start off walking this way. As a toddler I'd already begun to walk and then was stricken with spinal meningitis. I was hospitalized for weeks, and when I finally got out of the hospital my walking gate started up on my toes. Despite all available avenues of medical intervention, I have always been a chronic toe walker with little impact on my life. My childhood during the "fix me" years was not ideal. I do carry a bit of a grudge about it as an adult because it was all for naught. Too much time spent and wasted in medical clinics over three years' time, when I was already too old at eight years of age to start a toe walking intervention.
Thank you for your story! Sometimes all of our best interventions do not work. It is best to start early, which these days we are doing for the most part, around 3 or 4 years old. I am curious if the muscles that dorsiflex (they raise the fore foot for toe clearance in gait) are not weak. I understand the trauma you went through. It is very difficult to resolve the issue when you start that late. Thanks again for sharing.
Imma go to the doctor because my right foot I can’t walk on my heel anymore I walk more on my toe knuckles from the bottom then my heel and toes at the same time and my left foot I can walk on my heel a little and I saw a video of a person and the doctor couldn’t even push her foot like an L by how much they been walking on their toes. I just unlocked a new fear
My son has been walking on his toes since he was six months old his Achilles tendon prevents him from even achieving A flat foot he has been walking on his toes since as long as I can remember he cannot physically put his heel on the ground without falling on his butt it is literally impossible for him to be flat footed what do I do in a situation he is not able to put his heel on the ground his Achilles tendon is too shortI need help someone please
My oldest son had to have bilateral achilles lengthening surgery when he was 10 years old (5 years ago) and now my 6 year old and 4 year old are both walking on their toes ALL the time. I keep trying to get them to stop, but they won't. I took my my 6 year old to an orthopedic specialist a few months ago and he said that my son was fine and I could just keep stretching his legs, etc. Keep an eye on it.....I am NOT wanting to go through the surgery again. I know the suffering. By the time my son hit the stage of being picked on, it was impossible for him to walk flat. I want to find a treatment to help stop it before it happens with my younger two. I'm glad to see there are braces out there...now I need to find a doctor who will be concerned enough to go this route and not blow it off. Thanks so much!
Hello,my 9 y/o nephew has toe walking problem and his dad is gp doctor.My sister took him to many specialist doctors they said he might be fine with pt later they said achilles lengthening surgery.His father doesn't conscent to surgery (his fear is permanent damage of achilles tendon resulting in loss of mobility) also neurologist said mri but his father again objected to the contrast dye injected during.His toes have low position and I am not sure if he has flexability enough for casting or this kind of braces,is that mean it would be painful to wear them for the child without 90 degrees flexability?His ankles are extremely tensed by now ,can this muscle tendon shortening and position of foot become permanent?
Hello, yes the shortening of the tendon can become permanent and lead to deformity and break-down of the structures of the foot. I have seen this on many occasions when there is no intervention. I does not happen in all cases. Serial casting is a good alternative with almost no adverse side effects. This should be looked into as an alternative. Kevin
Hi doc i went to my doctor last monday.. he told me that if he lengthen (do surgery) my tendon / heel cords it might just tear because my tendon is too short and tight... Doc what should I do now? He wants me to get second opinion on other doctor here in the Philippines, doc I'm already 24 years old now, what other opinion should I do i already did alot of therapy since i was just 8 years old as still doing therapy until now it's not working... Please doctor reply what should I do now? What other opinion you recommend? Thank you! 💙
hi, my daughter is 2.6 years old she was a toe Walker,she was was unable to walk independently since 18months so she had a tendon lengthening procedure last year in April. initially she start some walk but from 4 5 month she is not walking independently ,started crying when ever we ask her to walk and fall oftenly
That is very young for tendon lengthening surgery. Does she have cerebral palsy or other condition? These conditions can make it very difficult to walk. Either way AFOs would probably help.
Only one of my feet walk JUST NORMAL, while the other one stands only on toes. Ive been doing this since i started walking. And i used to ignore it. Now im little so scared about it. When i try to falt foot it hurts so bad. Even when im standing. And im starting to think im getting surgery. My mom said it will be okay. But i dont know. She wants me to wear special cure shoes, i hope it works. If not ill probably will need surgery and i just hate the word surgery
Hello dr My child is cerebral palsy He is 3 year old. He still Walking on toe. I am doing his physiotherapy from last 18 month. But he still walk on toes. There is hardness come in his toe. What should I do
Hi there, I have a question for you, I would love it if you could help me with this but I know it may get lost in all the comments. I am 21 years old and have walked on my toes all my life. When I was 16, I saw a podiatrist who made me very uncomfortable and scolded me for toe walking. He said if I didn't fix this, I would need to have surgery by the time I was 18 to lengthen my Achilles tendon. He took an x-ray of my feet and said something about how the ball of my foot had pivoted (I can't exactly remember, since it was so many years ago) and then he pretty much yelled at my dad for letting me toe walk. I don't think my dad could have even stopped me, it's so natural for me. I have not been diagnosed with anything but I have a brother with autism and another brother with Tourette's, so I believe it could be a sensory issue that's never been addressed. I haven't seen a podiatrist or orthopedist since that time. For a while after that appointment, I was stretching every day, but that would leave my ankles feeling very sore. My ankles would often get sprained and once I broke my foot just because my ankle felt weak from exercise from the day before and twisted wrong. My family tries to remind me to walk flat footed, but it feels very uncomfortable when I do. I can still touch my heels to the ground but recently my lower back has been hurting and the tops of my feet are aching a lot when I stand, no matter how I stand. Is there anything I can do at this point? Thank you so much!
There is a minor surgery to lengthen the achilles tendon that would probably help. After surgery you could wear AFOs to help establish a heel-toe gait pattern. If you can walk normally, heel-toe, then you may just try AFOs to retrain your brain to walk normally for six months or so. It is difficult to make recommendations without seeing you. I would start with a visit to an orthopedic surgeon, preferably a foot and ankle specialist in orthopedics.
Hello I would love to connect with you! I am 22 and have had 8 surgeries to fix toe walking. It’s been a long road but worth it. I was bullied my whole life for toe walking and it’s affected me tremendously. The sooner you can stop the better
@@cayleegodby2666 u had 8 surgeries??? The Doctor recommended my son 5Yo son to do the surgery but I don’t want to. I prefer to get him high tops shoes.
Hi i am 14 years old and i have been walking on my tip toes all my life. I find it difficult to walk flat footed my friend and family have been telling me to stop but i dont realise when im tip toeing iv visited a physiotherapist and just shower me some exercises which have not worked. I have also been getting alot of pain at the back of my leg when i put my foot down but the doctors have just given me vitamin tablets for that which have not worked. Is there any advice you can give
It sounds like you have contractures due to muscle tightness. I would recommend an orthopedic consult for possible tendon lengthening surgery or serial casting. Braces can help, but you must be able to maintain heels down in standing. Start with an orthopedic doctor.
I'm 12 and I've been tip toeing my whole life. It feels weird to tip toe in my shoes but at home it feels weird to stand normally. It doesn't hurt but I still do it and can't stop. My sisters also did it and they stopped but I didn't. Any tips?
@@reagan_bran I started ballet when i was 5 and stopped when i was 9 without me even realizing i started walking on my toes. I still do it now and its been years since I did ballet
@@szabolcsipacs6860 I feel like it’s not gonna work I’m 13 and been doing it since I was like 8 because I wanted to be a dinosaur🤦 and now I can barely life up my right foot and can’t walk on my heals and my left food I can kinda lift it up and walk on my heel idk and I walk with my foot like sideways on my right foot too help
Hi ! My son is 6 years old and is on his toes 100% of the time.. even standing still. (He has autism and adhd) When he tries to stand flat footed, he has to have his knees bent and his ankles buckle inward (vagus?). He haa wide front width as well as claw toes. He has leg pain at night. I have seen 3 doctors in my area (small farm town) and no one seems to want to treat him or refer him out. I love in california by the Bay area. Do you have any recommendation of a colleague in my area or any advice on what my next step would be?
Julie Lobato Hi Julie, You should get a referral to a pediatric physical therapist. It sounds like your son has a contracture of the achilles tendon. He will probably require surgery to lengthen the tendon or serial casting to stretch it out over time. Your therapist can discuss this with you and make a recommendation. You might also see a pediatric orthopedic doctor if you haven't yet. This should be addressed sooner rather than later. Kevin
Julie Lobato , hi! I know you wrote this years ago, I was wondering if you've gotten a diagnosis of your sons feet issue. Have you ever heard of Charcot-Marie-Tooth? You need to Google it. My husband has it, and now, we THINK my 6 year old son has it. My son didn't start toe walking until he was about 3 years old. Now he walks on his toes 100% of the time, even standing still. He has very high arches and it looks like he has claw toes, and when we try to bend his foot to make it at a 90 degree angle, his foot literally won't bend!! His feet AND legs hurt a lot and he gets tired from walking or standing for long periods of time. His feet and or ankles just give out for no reason and he falls. Very unpredictable. Just out of no where he will fall. I just thought I'd let you know about CMT and hopefully you can maybe find some answers. I also worry about my son possibly having some form of a high functioning autism too. Well I wish you luck and good health!! If you don't mind, I'd really appreciate it if you could let me know if you found out any answers about YOUR son? Good luck!! Peace n love.
I’ve had Botox and casts on my feet and I still walk on my tip toes, I’m 15 now and it’s really hard for me to walk flat, when I try my bottom sticks out and my back crutches in, if I try to walk flat I lose balance and fall, I don’t know what to do anymore my feet are getting worse and it’s starting to hurt when I tip toe
Hello Aiesha, your calf muscles have gotten tight and must be stretched out. You need to do this! It should be a daily routine and be done a few times a day. They can be stretched out, but it will take time. You could also have surgery to lengthen the Achilles tendon if the stretching doesn't work. Feel free to call if you have questions 210-657-8100. Good luck!
Advanced Orthopedic Designs thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to reply to me, I will take what you said into consideration and make sure to stretch everyday !
Hi, my 1.5 years kid is walking in tip toe on both legs. So ortho Doctor suggested for casting . Is this good option? or can we try any special shoes, braces etc. To correct this? Please clarify.
Casting is an option and may be successful. I would recommend bracing if the casting isn't successful. Stiff soled shoes may also help, but braces are the best option, in my opinion. At this age it is difficult to tell what will work. Your child may also stop on their own. I don't usually start bracing until at least 2 1/2 years old. Good luck!
@@AdvancedOrthopedic Thank you so much for the response sir, Actually we put casting 4 days back and my kid is not adopting to the casting. He is feeling very disturbed and uncomfort especially during night and whenever he go for bed. So we are totally confused and thinking whether we took any early decision for casting. So please need your kind advise. Now literally we are thinking can we remove the cast .. Since kid is feeling disturbed. this is the diagnosis report from pediatric Ortho : Habitual toe walking, history of deformity of left ankle since birth. Now walking with support (tip-toe) (L>R). Major Procedure done: MUA of both ankles + above knee artecast application both lower limb done. Pre operative indication: Bilateral tip-toe walking with equinus deformity(L>R) left 15 degree and right 5-10 degree. Both ankle joints manipulated under anaesthesia and AK artecast applied with both fet dorsiflexion and knee straight. We are totally worried sir, we are feeling and thinking wthether we had taken early decision for treatment and thinking to remove the cast if child still feels uncomfort. please advise sir what can we do.. reach me at guhanmba88@gmail.com. we are totally worrying . Your help is much needed sir.
Hello, I'm currently trying to fix my own gait as I've toe-walked my whole life. I am 23, almost 24 and it's beginning to become apparent that walking this way is having a negative impact on my posture. I am not medically trained, I do know that walking on my toes minimally engages many of the muscles in my hips and my thighs while over-stressing others. I cannot touch my toes without bending my spine. When I attempt to, the backs of my legs from my calves up to the rear of my hips feel extremely tight, with the tightest areas depending on just how I am balanced. The more forwards I lean, using my ankles as pivot, the higher up the strain is. I'm not sure if it's the tendons or muscles that are tight. I don't have any pain while walking heel-toe, but I can't figure out the way to do so that engages the proper muscles and keeps balance. Most ways I have tried make me feel very much like I'll fall if someone bumps into me, like I'm putting way way too much weight on my striking heel (compared with the sounds of my family members' footfalls), that I'm not really using my heels at all and putting my weight on the "toe" part of the rear foot as I strike with my front foot's heel, or that I have no ability to turn easily. I also feel just generally less stable on my entire foot, and have noticed that my toes splay somewhat while toe walking, which seems to prevent lateral instability. On my whole foot my balance seems to want to "roll" off either side of my foot. While on my toes my weight seems to be centered over the middle toe. Is this something that I'd have to see a specialist to correct, or is there some information I have missed in my searching?
+Comments Only It is your tendons and muscles that are tight. I would strongly recommend a stretching regimen, preferably under the direction of a physical therapist. Just remember a stretch is a stretch and shouldn't be painful. You are at risk of injury if you overdo it. At this point, stretching may not work and you might consider serial casting or achilles lengthening surgery. I would recommend an orthopedic evaluation by a foot and ankle orthopedic doctor to determine the best course for you.
Hello, I face similar condition and I'm seeing a physiotherapist currently. Orthopedics recommend going for botox. Do you have any idea on that and if that will help??
Hi I’m 22 and have had 8 surgeries to correct toe walking, including Achilles’ tendon lengthening. If you would like to connect I definitely relate to your problems
I am twenty. Walking has become a chore recently and I wish more than anything to be able to walk flat.. I'm facing a lot of pain in my feet and legs lately.
You might see an orthopedic doctor. If you have a contracture of the achilles tendon you can have it surgically lengthened. If you can get your heels down and the alignment is OK, AFOs may help. It would be about a six month wear time to get range improved. Good luck!
I can get them down one at a time, painfully. Currently my right big toe grinds and feels increasingly painful day by day. Got the referral to a specialist. Hopefully I don't have to wait ages for any treatment!
@@annahjohnson9567 Hi Annah, I am also in my 20s and I'm having a lot of pain caused from toe walking. Were you able to find a treatment that worked for you?
To the people who commented before. I toe walked all my life and when I was 15, I began having surgeries and have since had 8. FINALLY, I am able to walk flat footed. I was unable to put my heel to the floor. If you all want to talk you can always connect with me. It’s a long process
@Junima Rajkarnikar I am 21 and a toe walker, and my back is starting to hurt too. I believe this happens because walking that way over a long period of time will cause your hips to tilt in an unnatural position, causing lower back pain. A person with a regular heel-to-toe gait has a different way of naturally distributing balance in their body than a person who toe walks. Our backs, hips, knees and even muscles in our feet have changed from years of walking this way because everything is connected. And our ankles have not gained the muscle strength to the extent they should have, so our bodies automatically go back to what gait feels the most natural when we aren't consciously thinking about it.
Do insurances typically cover these? Also, what kind of referral should I ask for from my pediatrician? My son is 6, walks on his toes 90% of the time, and can't flex his foot to 90° but she keeps saying he'll outgrow 😖
I'm 19 and still toe walk. I'll unconsciously switch back and forth from walking normally to toe walking. So I don't only walking on my toes. You said that in other countries they don't always treat it. Are there bad long term effects for toe walking or is correcting it more for trying to not get teased?
great information. my son is a toe Walker. we tried cascade smo braces with a carbon fiber plate in the shoe and a heel plate on the back and it made some difference. she could tell by the wear on his braces that he is still pushing through and defeating the braces/carbon fiber inserts. his pt is moving up to a hinged AFO after only a month of smo. is this going to help or are there other forms of bracing out there. he may have mild cp but that's not confirmed by his cp dr yet (2yo) but he does have very little tightness in his legs. do you think we are going in the right direction. as you know they are expensive
Hello, hinged AFOs work well and should solve all of your issues. The SMO design is an alternative to the AFO. The AFO works well and is the proper design if your son has abnormal tone as is seen in most CP cases. They should work well if they're made properly.
Hello, I would recommend a physical therapy evaluation to see if this is a problematic situation. There are many things to consider before intervening and a pediatric physical therapist is a good place to start.
Advanced Orthopedic Designs I agree. I'm 24 and I still toe walk. I've never had any problems from it. I think sometimes parents get overly worried about toe walking even though it's not always a big deal. I'm glad I toe walk to be honest. I never have to worry about working out my calves because they are already disproportionately large because of toe walking. Ive seen people who have needed surgery because of toe walking but I think most of the time it either passes with age or your body just learns to compensate for your individual stride by building up other muscles.
Hi Kevin Am from India my 11 month old daughter having this problem she is just started to stand and move by holding on furniture still cannot walk alone without support she use to have baby Walker does it make problems do I need to consult a doctor or I shall wait please help me am really worried Thanks
Sir, my baby has tiptoe issue and he still not walking without support. initially he doing it on left foot and now at 20 months he gave signs of both foot tiptoe. he has bend back the foot more than 90 degree when relaxing mode, but his brain do tends to make that stiff signals. most doctors just asked to gave him time. indrop d, bachlin, methycobol was in medication so far. now i am going to homeopathic doctor tomorrow. he do stand on flat foot normal with bed sofa etc support. but when walking he tiptoe, and mainly can't lift front part of left foot instead rolling it and tiptoes. he has no other symptoms thankfully he is active, try to speak mama papa words he learns what i told him stories or things. just walking issue concerning me.
Hello sir, If it is just tip toe walking I would give it time to resolve. I would not recommend bracing until 3 years or later. It sounds like he may have a neurological issue and that should be ruled out. I don't want to alarm you, but he should be tested. I would recommend he see a pediatric orthopedic doctor. Tip toe walking most often resolves on it's own in the first few years, so I would not be concerned with that yet. I would also recommend physical therapy, which the orthopedic doctor will probably also recommend. Good luck to you and your son!
Problem is that he can't walk on his own alone without support, not even stand without support. Even with support he stumble his legs after one another. I felt his left achellies is bit stiff and that is neurological based.
What you are describing does seem neurological and that is what I felt from your original post. I think he would benefit from an AFO on one or perhaps both legs. You should seek an expert opinion. I don't think this is merely a toe walking situation. I am not a doctor and this is merely an opinion based on my experience.
Expert doctor is asked for MRI scan of brain to check the damage area amount. Its all neurological issue yes. Did you saw these cases recovery to walking learning
I have seen many cases of independent walking from children with mild cerebral palsy. The MRI is the only way to diagnose properly that I know of. He may need braces temporarily until he learns. I wish you luck.
+anlli contreras Hello. You should see a pediatric orthopedic doctor. There are many treatment options including surgery to lengthen the tendon, serial casting, Botox injections in the calf muscle and bracing. The doctor should be able to recommend the best treatment for you.
hello sir I am from India my daughter is 2 years & 3 months now. she keeps her left leg normal but right leg on toe while walking .doctor given splint,but no use .doing her physiotherapy also now doctor suggested botox injection.so we r really worried ,is this treatment is correct for my daughter?please help me out
I'm upset that you and others have gone through this there entire life with out treatment. My son walked on toes since 15 months of age, since he walked, and in 12/2019 he had achilles lengthening surgery and now is finally on flat feet. But he now has other issues, walks with his toes pointed out, not sure what it is called. But hes not doing therapy due to covid-19... hope u can find a doctor that can help discuss surgery and God bless
my daughter was a toe Walker at 18 month of age doctor did her tendons lengthening procedure ,she started to walk after removal of plasters but she stops walking since one month we are really worried
Gems by Jackie sorry haven’t replied, but I’m so glad your son can walk (somewhat) normally now! I’m sure if you just continue active exercise things will get better. The reason I’ve had this problem so long is because my doctor said my case was “idiopathic” and that it will just “fade away” that was when I was twelve, I’ve been wanting to try the tendons lengthening, but I’m in college and money is tight. I hope you and your son are doing well during these rough times... ❤️
Imma go to the doctor because my right foot I can’t walk on my heel anymore I walk more on my toe knuckles from the bottom then my heel and toes at the same time and my left foot I can walk on my heel a little and I saw a video of a person and the doctor couldn’t even push her foot like an L by how much they been walking on their toes. I just unlocked a new fear
Sir my daughter has done ot therapist but can she get job in ur country v can't afford no earning in r family nw I'm hr mom from India maharastra state plz
I toe walk but I think I'm doing it out of habit.... I generally land on the ball of my foot and then land my heal..... but then I specifically tried to walk on the heal and then roll through off my toe and I was able to do it easily but it's not habit so it's not my natural instinctive walk also I am only 15 years old
Also.... when I land the ball of my foot it's pretty close to level so it's not like I'm completely walking toe down heel up.... so should I be concerned of will I be able to get out of the habit by Just walking heel first and roll of on my toe.... all suggestion and comments are greatly appreciated.
Hello, as long as you are able to walk normally it's not a big issue. You should make a point to stretch your calf muscles to ensure you maintain range of motion. I would recommend you try to retrain yourself to walk "normally" since the forefoot is not designed to take that much force over time and it could lead to complications. Good luck!
I’ve had 8 surgeries to correct my toe walking. I started when I was 15 and I’m 22. It’s a long process to fix but if you’d like to talk about it. I’d love to connect
Help. I did ballet when I was 5 but stopped when I was 9, I still do it and I can't even stand up on my heels how do I stop that? Although, when I wear my shoes I walk normally?
This video showed up in my recommended section. I recorded a video on CZcams a few years ago about living as an idiopathic toe walker (search for Kerry Hyder Idiopathic toe walking) Currently as I write this, I am 52 years old, female. In the early 70's as an eight year old child, my parents set out to "fix" me. I've done it all (except botox, as that wasn't available in the 70's.) Physical therapy, serial casting and dorsiflexing back for nearly a year, ATL surgery, and braces. None of it worked. I laugh at the serial casting now, looking back, because I was walking on my toes in the casts. The ATL surgery had me back in casts post surgery and at that point I could no longer walk on my toes. The ugly scars are still there, and the ATL didn't "take."
I can attest that everything you've stated is truth. It is very difficult to find shoes that fit me now, and my legs are very strong, especially at the thighs. I can walk flat footed, but I cannot walk on only my heels. My feet do not dorsiflex far enough to enable heel walking. I toe walk out of habit and it is my normality, I have no sensory or medical issues that cause toe walking. To add to the oddity that is "me," I am unable to stand up straight (flat footed) with my feet pointed forward. If I try to stand with feet forward, I will fall backward. I stand with my feet splayed out (duck foot posture) or stand on the balls of my feet.
I prefer to be barefoot and on my toes in my home, but I mostly walk flat footed in shoes outside the home. More to avoid the stares or questions I might otherwise get. Barefoot flat footed walking feels weird and uncomfortable to me, I rarely walk that way. I am unable to run heel to toe, either with or without shoes. I run on my toes with a running gate, legs stretched out (as apposed to a spring knee as you demonstrated in your video above.) I have not experienced any hammer toe issues, and my feet have high arches. As I get older, I have not experienced any issues in my knees or hips at all.
I will say that I did not start off walking this way. As a toddler I'd already begun to walk and then was stricken with spinal meningitis. I was hospitalized for weeks, and when I finally got out of the hospital my walking gate started up on my toes. Despite all available avenues of medical intervention, I have always been a chronic toe walker with little impact on my life. My childhood during the "fix me" years was not ideal. I do carry a bit of a grudge about it as an adult because it was all for naught. Too much time spent and wasted in medical clinics over three years' time, when I was already too old at eight years of age to start a toe walking intervention.
Thank you for your story! Sometimes all of our best interventions do not work. It is best to start early, which these days we are doing for the most part, around 3 or 4 years old. I am curious if the muscles that dorsiflex (they raise the fore foot for toe clearance in gait) are not weak. I understand the trauma you went through. It is very difficult to resolve the issue when you start that late. Thanks again for sharing.
Imma go to the doctor because my right foot I can’t walk on my heel anymore I walk more on my toe knuckles from the bottom then my heel and toes at the same time and my left foot I can walk on my heel a little and I saw a video of a person and the doctor couldn’t even push her foot like an L by how much they been walking on their toes. I just unlocked a new fear
Thank you for your comment. Wrestling with all of this for my four year old. Don't want to put her through what you went through
My son has been walking on his toes since he was six months old his Achilles tendon prevents him from even achieving A flat foot he has been walking on his toes since as long as I can remember he cannot physically put his heel on the ground without falling on his butt it is literally impossible for him to be flat footed what do I do in a situation he is not able to put his heel on the ground his Achilles tendon is too shortI need help someone please
My oldest son had to have bilateral achilles lengthening surgery when he was 10 years old (5 years ago) and now my 6 year old and 4 year old are both walking on their toes ALL the time. I keep trying to get them to stop, but they won't. I took my my 6 year old to an orthopedic specialist a few months ago and he said that my son was fine and I could just keep stretching his legs, etc. Keep an eye on it.....I am NOT wanting to go through the surgery again. I know the suffering. By the time my son hit the stage of being picked on, it was impossible for him to walk flat. I want to find a treatment to help stop it before it happens with my younger two. I'm glad to see there are braces out there...now I need to find a doctor who will be concerned enough to go this route and not blow it off. Thanks so much!
Good Luck!
Can I ask you a question?
I feel the same way! When is it too late or when will she get made fun of. She's 4 and not changing no matter how many reminders
also i had braces as little kid i evwn had casts and it did help at all
Hello,my 9 y/o nephew has toe walking problem and his dad is gp doctor.My sister took him to many specialist doctors they said he might be fine with pt later they said achilles lengthening surgery.His father doesn't conscent to surgery (his fear is permanent damage of achilles tendon resulting in loss of mobility) also neurologist said mri but his father again objected to the contrast dye injected during.His toes have low position and I am not sure if he has flexability enough for casting or this kind of braces,is that mean it would be painful to wear them for the child without 90 degrees flexability?His ankles are extremely tensed by now ,can this muscle tendon shortening and position of foot become permanent?
Hello, yes the shortening of the tendon can become permanent and lead to deformity and break-down of the structures of the foot. I have seen this on many occasions when there is no intervention. I does not happen in all cases. Serial casting is a good alternative with almost no adverse side effects. This should be looked into as an alternative. Kevin
Where can I buy the small brace from?
Thanks for this elaborate explanations. How can I get these design you hold, the blue one. My daughter is 3yrs and still toe walks
I only offer care through my office in San Antonio, Tx
Hi doc i went to my doctor last monday.. he told me that if he lengthen (do surgery) my tendon / heel cords it might just tear because my tendon is too short and tight... Doc what should I do now? He wants me to get second opinion on other doctor here in the Philippines, doc I'm already 24 years old now, what other opinion should I do i already did alot of therapy since i was just 8 years old as still doing therapy until now it's not working... Please doctor reply what should I do now? What other opinion you recommend? Thank you! 💙
hi, my daughter is 2.6 years old
she was a toe Walker,she was was unable to walk independently since 18months so she had a tendon lengthening procedure last year in April. initially she start some walk but from 4 5 month she is not walking independently ,started crying when ever we ask her to walk and fall oftenly
That is very young for tendon lengthening surgery. Does she have cerebral palsy or other condition? These conditions can make it very difficult to walk. Either way AFOs would probably help.
Only one of my feet walk JUST NORMAL, while the other one stands only on toes. Ive been doing this since i started walking. And i used to ignore it. Now im little so scared about it. When i try to falt foot it hurts so bad. Even when im standing. And im starting to think im getting surgery. My mom said it will be okay. But i dont know. She wants me to wear special cure shoes, i hope it works. If not ill probably will need surgery and i just hate the word surgery
Hello dr
My child is cerebral palsy
He is 3 year old. He still Walking on toe. I am doing his physiotherapy from last 18 month. But he still walk on toes. There is hardness come in his toe. What should I do
Hi Dr,
My 15 month old son toe walks alternatively in both legs.. is it a time to see Dr or shd I wait to get it corrected for some more time?
I would definitely wait. Toe walking is normal at this age.
Thanks dear oevib
Hi there, I have a question for you, I would love it if you could help me with this but I know it may get lost in all the comments.
I am 21 years old and have walked on my toes all my life. When I was 16, I saw a podiatrist who made me very uncomfortable and scolded me for toe walking. He said if I didn't fix this, I would need to have surgery by the time I was 18 to lengthen my Achilles tendon. He took an x-ray of my feet and said something about how the ball of my foot had pivoted (I can't exactly remember, since it was so many years ago) and then he pretty much yelled at my dad for letting me toe walk. I don't think my dad could have even stopped me, it's so natural for me. I have not been diagnosed with anything but I have a brother with autism and another brother with Tourette's, so I believe it could be a sensory issue that's never been addressed. I haven't seen a podiatrist or orthopedist since that time. For a while after that appointment, I was stretching every day, but that would leave my ankles feeling very sore. My ankles would often get sprained and once I broke my foot just because my ankle felt weak from exercise from the day before and twisted wrong. My family tries to remind me to walk flat footed, but it feels very uncomfortable when I do. I can still touch my heels to the ground but recently my lower back has been hurting and the tops of my feet are aching a lot when I stand, no matter how I stand. Is there anything I can do at this point? Thank you so much!
There is a minor surgery to lengthen the achilles tendon that would probably help. After surgery you could wear AFOs to help establish a heel-toe gait pattern. If you can walk normally, heel-toe, then you may just try AFOs to retrain your brain to walk normally for six months or so. It is difficult to make recommendations without seeing you. I would start with a visit to an orthopedic surgeon, preferably a foot and ankle specialist in orthopedics.
Hello I would love to connect with you! I am 22 and have had 8 surgeries to fix toe walking. It’s been a long road but worth it. I was bullied my whole life for toe walking and it’s affected me tremendously. The sooner you can stop the better
@@cayleegodby2666 u had 8 surgeries??? The
Doctor recommended my son 5Yo son to do the surgery but I don’t want to. I prefer to get him high tops shoes.
Hi i am 14 years old and i have been walking on my tip toes all my life. I find it difficult to walk flat footed my friend and family have been telling me to stop but i dont realise when im tip toeing iv visited a physiotherapist and just shower me some exercises which have not worked. I have also been getting alot of pain at the back of my leg when i put my foot down but the doctors have just given me vitamin tablets for that which have not worked. Is there any advice you can give
It sounds like you have contractures due to muscle tightness. I would recommend an orthopedic consult for possible tendon lengthening surgery or serial casting. Braces can help, but you must be able to maintain heels down in standing. Start with an orthopedic doctor.
I'm 12 and I've been tip toeing my whole life. It feels weird to tip toe in my shoes but at home it feels weird to stand normally. It doesn't hurt but I still do it and can't stop. My sisters also did it and they stopped but I didn't. Any tips?
ask your parents to bring you to orthotics to get a special shoes or insoles :) hopefully that could improve to move onto good habits.
If it causes no pain why change?
Chinchilla Love yeah, the doctor said I had tight calves and I had to stretch them every night so it should work for you
@@reagan_bran I started ballet when i was 5 and stopped when i was 9 without me even realizing i started walking on my toes. I still do it now and its been years since I did ballet
@@szabolcsipacs6860 I feel like it’s not gonna work I’m 13 and been doing it since I was like 8 because I wanted to be a dinosaur🤦 and now I can barely life up my right foot and can’t walk on my heals and my left food I can kinda lift it up and walk on my heel idk and I walk with my foot like sideways on my right foot too help
Hi ! My son is 6 years old and is on his toes 100% of the time.. even standing still. (He has autism and adhd) When he tries to stand flat footed, he has to have his knees bent and his ankles buckle inward (vagus?). He haa wide front width as well as claw toes. He has leg pain at night. I have seen 3 doctors in my area (small farm town) and no one seems to want to treat him or refer him out. I love in california by the Bay area. Do you have any recommendation of a colleague in my area or any advice on what my next step would be?
Julie Lobato Hi Julie, You should get a referral to a pediatric physical therapist. It sounds like your son has a contracture of the achilles tendon. He will probably require surgery to lengthen the tendon or serial casting to stretch it out over time. Your therapist can discuss this with you and make a recommendation. You might also see a pediatric orthopedic doctor if you haven't yet. This should be addressed sooner rather than later. Kevin
Julie Lobato , hi! I know you wrote this years ago, I was wondering if you've gotten a diagnosis of your sons feet issue. Have you ever heard of Charcot-Marie-Tooth? You need to Google it. My husband has it, and now, we THINK my 6 year old son has it. My son didn't start toe walking until he was about 3 years old. Now he walks on his toes 100% of the time, even standing still. He has very high arches and it looks like he has claw toes, and when we try to bend his foot to make it at a 90 degree angle, his foot literally won't bend!! His feet AND legs hurt a lot and he gets tired from walking or standing for long periods of time. His feet and or ankles just give out for no reason and he falls. Very unpredictable. Just out of no where he will fall. I just thought I'd let you know about CMT and hopefully you can maybe find some answers. I also worry about my son possibly having some form of a high functioning autism too. Well I wish you luck and good health!! If you don't mind, I'd really appreciate it if you could let me know if you found out any answers about YOUR son? Good luck!! Peace n love.
I’ve had Botox and casts on my feet and I still walk on my tip toes, I’m 15 now and it’s really hard for me to walk flat, when I try my bottom sticks out and my back crutches in, if I try to walk flat I lose balance and fall, I don’t know what to do anymore my feet are getting worse and it’s starting to hurt when I tip toe
Hello Aiesha, your calf muscles have gotten tight and must be stretched out. You need to do this! It should be a daily routine and be done a few times a day. They can be stretched out, but it will take time. You could also have surgery to lengthen the Achilles tendon if the stretching doesn't work. Feel free to call if you have questions 210-657-8100. Good luck!
Advanced Orthopedic Designs thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to reply to me, I will take what you said into consideration and make sure to stretch everyday !
Sweetheart I am so sorry. Please try to get an orthopedic doc referral and look into Achilles tendon lengthening surgery. God bless and prayers to u
Hi, my 1.5 years kid is walking in tip toe on both legs. So ortho Doctor suggested for casting . Is this good option? or can we try any special shoes, braces etc. To correct this? Please clarify.
Casting is an option and may be successful. I would recommend bracing if the casting isn't successful. Stiff soled shoes may also help, but braces are the best option, in my opinion. At this age it is difficult to tell what will work. Your child may also stop on their own. I don't usually start bracing until at least 2 1/2 years old. Good luck!
@@AdvancedOrthopedic Thank you so much for the response sir, Actually we put casting 4 days back and my kid is not adopting to the casting. He is feeling very disturbed and uncomfort especially during night and whenever he go for bed. So we are totally confused and thinking whether we took any early decision for casting. So please need your kind advise. Now literally we are thinking can we remove the cast .. Since kid is feeling disturbed. this is the diagnosis report from pediatric Ortho : Habitual toe walking, history of deformity of left ankle since birth. Now walking with support (tip-toe) (L>R). Major Procedure done: MUA of both ankles + above knee artecast application both lower limb done. Pre operative indication: Bilateral tip-toe walking with equinus deformity(L>R) left 15 degree and right 5-10 degree. Both ankle joints manipulated under anaesthesia and AK artecast applied with both fet dorsiflexion and knee straight. We are totally worried sir, we are feeling and thinking wthether we had taken early decision for treatment and thinking to remove the cast if child still feels uncomfort. please advise sir what can we do.. reach me at guhanmba88@gmail.com. we are totally worrying . Your help is much needed sir.
Hello, I'm currently trying to fix my own gait as I've toe-walked my whole life. I am 23, almost 24 and it's beginning to become apparent that walking this way is having a negative impact on my posture. I am not medically trained, I do know that walking on my toes minimally engages many of the muscles in my hips and my thighs while over-stressing others. I cannot touch my toes without bending my spine. When I attempt to, the backs of my legs from my calves up to the rear of my hips feel extremely tight, with the tightest areas depending on just how I am balanced. The more forwards I lean, using my ankles as pivot, the higher up the strain is. I'm not sure if it's the tendons or muscles that are tight.
I don't have any pain while walking heel-toe, but I can't figure out the way to do so that engages the proper muscles and keeps balance. Most ways I have tried make me feel very much like I'll fall if someone bumps into me, like I'm putting way way too much weight on my striking heel (compared with the sounds of my family members' footfalls), that I'm not really using my heels at all and putting my weight on the "toe" part of the rear foot as I strike with my front foot's heel, or that I have no ability to turn easily. I also feel just generally less stable on my entire foot, and have noticed that my toes splay somewhat while toe walking, which seems to prevent lateral instability. On my whole foot my balance seems to want to "roll" off either side of my foot. While on my toes my weight seems to be centered over the middle toe.
Is this something that I'd have to see a specialist to correct, or is there some information I have missed in my searching?
+Comments Only It is your tendons and muscles that are tight. I would strongly recommend a stretching regimen, preferably under the direction of a physical therapist. Just remember a stretch is a stretch and shouldn't be painful. You are at risk of injury if you overdo it. At this point, stretching may not work and you might consider serial casting or achilles lengthening surgery. I would recommend an orthopedic evaluation by a foot and ankle orthopedic doctor to determine the best course for you.
Advanced Orthopedic Designs Thank you!
Hello, I face similar condition and I'm seeing a physiotherapist currently. Orthopedics recommend going for botox. Do you have any idea on that and if that will help??
Hi I’m 22 and have had 8 surgeries to correct toe walking, including Achilles’ tendon lengthening. If you would like to connect I definitely relate to your problems
I am twenty. Walking has become a chore recently and I wish more than anything to be able to walk flat.. I'm facing a lot of pain in my feet and legs lately.
You might see an orthopedic doctor. If you have a contracture of the achilles tendon you can have it surgically lengthened. If you can get your heels down and the alignment is OK, AFOs may help. It would be about a six month wear time to get range improved. Good luck!
I can get them down one at a time, painfully. Currently my right big toe grinds and feels increasingly painful day by day. Got the referral to a specialist. Hopefully I don't have to wait ages for any treatment!
Annah Johnson
A simple achilles lengthening should help considerably. Serial casting may also be an option. Good luck!
@@annahjohnson9567 Hi Annah, I am also in my 20s and I'm having a lot of pain caused from toe walking. Were you able to find a treatment that worked for you?
To the people who commented before. I toe walked all my life and when I was 15, I began having surgeries and have since had 8. FINALLY, I am able to walk flat footed. I was unable to put my heel to the floor. If you all want to talk you can always connect with me. It’s a long process
I've been walking on my toes all my life im 43 its crazy to work it because wat will happen to you young people your back will start hurting
@Junima Rajkarnikar I am 21 and a toe walker, and my back is starting to hurt too. I believe this happens because walking that way over a long period of time will cause your hips to tilt in an unnatural position, causing lower back pain. A person with a regular heel-to-toe gait has a different way of naturally distributing balance in their body than a person who toe walks. Our backs, hips, knees and even muscles in our feet have changed from years of walking this way because everything is connected. And our ankles have not gained the muscle strength to the extent they should have, so our bodies automatically go back to what gait feels the most natural when we aren't consciously thinking about it.
Do insurances typically cover these? Also, what kind of referral should I ask for from my pediatrician? My son is 6, walks on his toes 90% of the time, and can't flex his foot to 90° but she keeps saying he'll outgrow 😖
I had physical therapy San Antonio texes in the 19 50 $ I’ve have mild cerebral palsy I had braces and it helped not that one though
I'm 19 and still toe walk. I'll unconsciously switch back and forth from walking normally to toe walking. So I don't only walking on my toes. You said that in other countries they don't always treat it. Are there bad long term effects for toe walking or is correcting it more for trying to not get teased?
There are not always complications. Each case is unique. If you are
able to walk normally when you choose you should not have any issues.
It can increase your chances for developing knee or hip arthritis.
great information. my son is a toe Walker. we tried cascade smo braces with a carbon fiber plate in the shoe and a heel plate on the back and it made some difference. she could tell by the wear on his braces that he is still pushing through and defeating the braces/carbon fiber inserts. his pt is moving up to a hinged AFO after only a month of smo. is this going to help or are there other forms of bracing out there. he may have mild cp but that's not confirmed by his cp dr yet (2yo) but he does have very little tightness in his legs. do you think we are going in the right direction. as you know they are expensive
Hello, hinged AFOs work well and should solve all of your issues. The SMO design is an alternative to the AFO. The AFO works well and is the proper design if your son has abnormal tone as is seen in most CP cases. They should work well if they're made properly.
Advanced Orthopedic Designs thanks for responding so quickly on a old video. I hope these work. He's a strong little guy
My daughter walks on her tiptoes sometimes but not all the time, what do you think we should do??? She does have autism.
Hello, I would recommend a physical therapy evaluation to see if this is a problematic situation. There are many things to consider before intervening and a pediatric physical therapist is a good place to start.
Advanced Orthopedic Designs I agree. I'm 24 and I still toe walk. I've never had any problems from it. I think sometimes parents get overly worried about toe walking even though it's not always a big deal. I'm glad I toe walk to be honest. I never have to worry about working out my calves because they are already disproportionately large because of toe walking. Ive seen people who have needed surgery because of toe walking but I think most of the time it either passes with age or your body just learns to compensate for your individual stride by building up other muscles.
Sir, my child is 19 months of age. And falls in that 90-100% chronic as described by you. We live in India.
Suggestions please.
There are good orthotists in India. If you show them a picture they should be able to make it for your child.
hi plz.give me some advise my daughter is also walking on toe i want to leave this habits
i able to walk flat.. of my daughter
I would recommend an evaluation by an orthopedic doctor.
Hi Kevin
Am from India my 11 month old daughter having this problem she is just started to stand and move by holding on furniture still cannot walk alone without support she use to have baby Walker does it make problems do I need to consult a doctor or I shall wait please help me am really worried
Thanks
It is considered normal for a child to start walking at up to 18 months old.
@@AdvancedOrthopedic Thank you
Hi thaj, even my 15 months kid is having same problem. We consulted ortho doctor and he suggested for cast. Can you reach me at guhanmba88@gmail.com
How can I contact you? My son, autism, severe toe walk
You can call my office 210-657-8100
Sir, my baby has tiptoe issue and he still not walking without support. initially he doing it on left foot and now at 20 months he gave signs of both foot tiptoe. he has bend back the foot more than 90 degree when relaxing mode, but his brain do tends to make that stiff signals. most doctors just asked to gave him time. indrop d, bachlin, methycobol was in medication so far. now i am going to homeopathic doctor tomorrow. he do stand on flat foot normal with bed sofa etc support. but when walking he tiptoe, and mainly can't lift front part of left foot instead rolling it and tiptoes. he has no other symptoms thankfully he is active, try to speak mama papa words he learns what i told him stories or things. just walking issue concerning me.
Hello sir, If it is just tip toe walking I would give it time to resolve. I would not recommend bracing until 3 years or later. It sounds like he may have a neurological issue and that should be ruled out. I don't want to alarm you, but he should be tested. I would recommend he see a pediatric orthopedic doctor. Tip toe walking most often resolves on it's own in the first few years, so I would not be concerned with that yet. I would also recommend physical therapy, which the orthopedic doctor will probably also recommend. Good luck to you and your son!
Problem is that he can't walk on his own alone without support, not even stand without support. Even with support he stumble his legs after one another. I felt his left achellies is bit stiff and that is neurological based.
What you are describing does seem neurological and that is what I felt from your original post. I think he would benefit from an AFO on one or perhaps both legs. You should seek an expert opinion. I don't think this is merely a toe walking situation. I am not a doctor and this is merely an opinion based on my experience.
Expert doctor is asked for MRI scan of brain to check the damage area amount. Its all neurological issue yes. Did you saw these cases recovery to walking learning
I have seen many cases of independent walking from children with mild cerebral palsy. The MRI is the only way to diagnose properly that I know of. He may need braces temporarily until he learns. I wish you luck.
My child is 6 year old. He has a toe walking problem. He can walk normally when we forced to do so. How can i prevent this bad habit. Plz repky
A brace like this works to achieve normal gait. It can be made by any orthotist. Physical therapy may also help.
im 13 i cant stand flat its really painfull for me i live in colorado springs and its reall hard for me to be flat footed
+anlli contreras Hello. You should see a pediatric orthopedic doctor. There are many treatment options including surgery to lengthen the tendon, serial casting, Botox injections in the calf muscle and bracing. The doctor should be able to recommend the best treatment for you.
i was doing some training than i think about toe walk as a training .. bec why not .. i google it to find this ... am i normal
Toe walking as exercise is OK, no problem
hello sir I am from India my daughter is 2 years & 3 months now. she keeps her left leg normal but right leg on toe while walking .doctor given splint,but no use .doing her physiotherapy also now doctor suggested botox injection.so we r really worried ,is this treatment is correct for my daughter?please help me out
@swatipant you find anything?
My daughter has the same problem... plz Dr. Reply
I'm 20 and I still walk on my toes! I tried braces and they did not work
I'm upset that you and others have gone through this there entire life with out treatment. My son walked on toes since 15 months of age, since he walked, and in 12/2019 he had achilles lengthening surgery and now is finally on flat feet. But he now has other issues, walks with his toes pointed out, not sure what it is called. But hes not doing therapy due to covid-19... hope u can find a doctor that can help discuss surgery and God bless
my daughter was a toe Walker at 18 month of age doctor did her tendons lengthening procedure ,she started to walk after removal of plasters but she stops walking since one month we are really worried
Gems by Jackie sorry haven’t replied, but I’m so glad your son can walk (somewhat) normally now! I’m sure if you just continue active exercise things will get better. The reason I’ve had this problem so long is because my doctor said my case was “idiopathic” and that it will just “fade away” that was when I was twelve, I’ve been wanting to try the tendons lengthening, but I’m in college and money is tight. I hope you and your son are doing well during these rough times... ❤️
I’m also 20 and toe walk. My Achilles is short. I embrace the toe walking, it makes me feel ready for fight or flight.
@@jordanidk1480 hey I'm toe walker too if you want we can talk on instagram @senorita_jesusa
What would you recommend to adults struggling with this?
Hi Luke, I would recommend starting with a foot and ankle orthopedic doctor. Treatment depends on your presentation and issues you are experiencing.
Hi.. did you find anything on it??
Imma go to the doctor because my right foot I can’t walk on my heel anymore I walk more on my toe knuckles from the bottom then my heel and toes at the same time and my left foot I can walk on my heel a little and I saw a video of a person and the doctor couldn’t even push her foot like an L by how much they been walking on their toes. I just unlocked a new fear
Sir my daughter has done ot therapist but can she get job in ur country v can't afford no earning in r family nw I'm hr mom from India maharastra state plz
I toe walk but I think I'm doing it out of habit.... I generally land on the ball of my foot and then land my heal..... but then I specifically tried to walk on the heal and then roll through off my toe and I was able to do it easily but it's not habit so it's not my natural instinctive walk also I am only 15 years old
Also.... when I land the ball of my foot it's pretty close to level so it's not like I'm completely walking toe down heel up.... so should I be concerned of will I be able to get out of the habit by Just walking heel first and roll of on my toe.... all suggestion and comments are greatly appreciated.
Hello, as long as you are able to walk normally it's not a big issue. You should make a point to stretch your calf muscles to ensure you maintain range of motion. I would recommend you try to retrain yourself to walk "normally" since the forefoot is not designed to take that much force over time and it could lead to complications. Good luck!
Advanced Orthopedic Designs I need help for daughter in los angeles
I am 19 about to be 20 and I told walk I just got afo for the very first time
Good luck!
Ok.my son is 8years old.
Toy walk .blue shoes ok
I’m 15 and still toe walking finna kms
I’m 20 and still toe walking :’) my legs are in constant pain lol
I’ve had 8 surgeries to correct my toe walking. I started when I was 15 and I’m 22. It’s a long process to fix but if you’d like to talk about it. I’d love to connect