Services · Therapediatrics · Physical therapy
Help for toe walking
Lots of toddlers walk on their toes. When it continues past age two or three, or your child cannot get their heels down, pediatric physical therapy can help.
Touchstone Therapy Center treats toe walking in Vernon Hills, IL with pediatric physical therapy, including stretching, strengthening, gait training and sensory strategies.
Who it’s for
Toddlers and children
Approach
Stretching, strength, gait
Where
In the clinic, Vernon Hills
First step
A PT evaluation
About toe walking
Why kids walk on their toes
Toe walking is common when children first learn to walk. Most grow out of it by age two. When it continues, it can come from tight calf muscles, a habit, sensory preferences, or occasionally a developmental or neurological cause, which is why an evaluation matters.
Left alone, persistent toe walking can shorten the calf muscles and Achilles tendon, affect balance, and make running, stairs and shoes harder. The earlier it is addressed, the simpler the fix tends to be.
Our physical therapists check range of motion, strength, balance and gait, and look at sensory factors with our occupational therapists when that is part of the picture.
When to reach out
Signs to have it checked
- Still toe walking after age two
- Cannot stand or walk with heels flat
- Tight calves or a stiff ankle
- Toe walking on one side only
- Frequent tripping or trouble with stairs
- Toe walking that started after walking normally
How we help
What treatment looks like
Stretching and strengthening
Lengthening tight calves and building the muscles that keep heels down.
Gait and balance training
Practice walking heel to toe, through play your child actually wants to do.
Sensory strategies
When toe walking is sensory-driven, our occupational therapists join the plan.
Home program
Short daily exercises and cues you can use at home, where most walking happens.
FAQ
Toe walking questions
Your care team
Meet our physical therapists
Get started
Ready to get started?
Touchstone Therapy Center is here to help. Fill out this form to schedule an appointment, or call (847) 996-6666 and our care coordinator will call you back.
Call (847) 996-6666
Hours Mon–Thu 8:30–7 · Fri 8:30–5 · Sat 9–1
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