What is Toe Walking?
Toe walking is when a person walks on their toes for varying amounts of time.
Given its associations with other medical conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy, neuropathy, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy, we employ a standardised set of questions. This ensures accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment.
How do we treat Idiopathic Toe Walking?
When there is no known cause for the toe walking it is often referred to as Idiopathic Toe Walking (ITW).
We use our Idiopathic Toe Walking pathway, informed by research, to guide and inform our treatment recommendations, which may involve physiotherapy and orthotic interventions.
- Physiotherapy Treatments: This will involve one-on-one physiotherapy sessions with either a physiotherapist or physiotherapy assistant. Exercises may consist of calf stretches, strengthening, balance and gait training. Massage and soft tissue mobilisation may also be used. You may be asked to complete a home exercise program in between sessions.
- Orthotic Treatments: We may recommend a period of serial casting, provision of ankle foot orthoses (AFOs), articulated AFOs and/ or night splints.
How long will treatment last?
Treatment sessions may last between 4-6 weeks and up to 6 months depending on how significant the Idiopathic Toe Walking is.
If no progress is made, we will write to your GP for their opinion on the suitability of other medical treatment options such as botulinum toxin or surgery.
Why is the assessment and preservation of ankle range of movement important?
Not all patients who toe walk have reduced ankle range of movement. If the calf muscle is stiff then it’s important we work to increase and/or preserve range of movement.
If range of movement is lost in the calf muscle and not accommodated in a splint (ankle foot orthosis) it will only exacerbate the toe walking and have an impact on shank kinematics (movement of the lower leg during walking). This is unwanted as it can cause pressure and problems to the knee joint and foot posture.
If the ankle range of movement is lost in Idiopathic Toe Walking this must be accommodated with a splint (ankle foot orthosis).
If you are concerned about toe walking, please do not hesitate to contact us.