Babies and toddlers learning to walk can be interesting to watch. They are determined to get to where they are going, however their legs have not mastered moving their whole body without any support.
It is normal for kids to walk around the age of 1 year and even normal for kids to walk on their tip toes at first. A child’s gait or walking pattern should normalize around 18 months old, meaning they walk with heels down, arms down more by their side, and in general look a lot more steady on their feet.
If a child persistently walks on their tip toes (also known as toe walking) still by the age of 2 years old there is a concern. It might be helpful in dance class, but staying on tip toes tightens and shortens all of the muscles on the back of the legs. In addition, children who walk on their toes have tight muscles on the fronts of their hips, poor core strength, and dysfunctional spinal alignment. Physical therapy can help your child increase their range of motion and provide exercises to help promote good alignment and core strength.
If you have concerns over your child’s toe walking, please contact our pediatric physical therapy team at FYZICAL for a free 15 minute consultation!
Laura Schafer, PTA
FYZICAL Pediatric Therapy Center
Papillion, NE