Why is my child walking on his toes? - Senior Podiatrist Elliott Yeldham, East Coast Podiatry

Maverick Tey, a child with primary pediatric flat foot, visited East Coast Podiatry for habitual tip toe walking.

Tip toe walking is a common trait adopted in children who suffer from flat foot. It can affect both boys and girls, and if left untreated can continue into adult life. Maverick's parents noticed that he would often complain of “achy” or “tired” legs approximately 30 minutes into an otherwise easy walk. They assumed this was because he was generally tired or just being lazy.

Maverick's hypermobility causes supporting structures to collapse when weight is applied. During the gait assessment, it was observed that Maverick walks on his tiptoes to engage the Windlass mechanism, which relieves pain caused by the ineffective arch support. However, this adaptation is insufficient to support his body weight, potentially leading to muscle contractions and injuries.

To address this, a specialized pediatric ankle-foot orthotic was recommended to stop tip toe walking and protect joints and soft tissue. Monitoring Maverick's condition as he grows is essential. Parents should seek advice from a pediatric podiatrist if they notice foot abnormalities or walking pattern issues to prevent future complications.