Toe walking happens when a child walks on the balls of their feet, with their heels lifted off the ground. Toe walking is common among toddlers as they learn to walk. Most children stop toe walking on their own by age 2. For children over age 2, exercises and treatments usually can help.

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for:

• Any exercises or stretches to do at home
• If your child needs to go to a physical therapist (a healthcare provider who helps with exercises and stretches to treat toe walking and other movement problems or injuries)
• If your child needs to see an orthopedic specialist (a healthcare provider who treats bone and joint problems)
• If your child needs to wear leg braces or splints
• When to follow up

Your child:

• Does not stop toe walking by age 2
• Is over age 2 and does not stop toe walking after following your healthcare provider's instructions
• Falls because of toe walking

What causes toe walking? It is common for children to toe walk while they are learning to walk. Most of the time, toe walking goes away on its own. Sometimes, toe walking is caused by tight calf muscles (muscles in the back of the lower leg) or a rigid Achilles tendon (a tendon on the back of the heel), or a problem with a child's nervous system or muscles. Sometimes, the reason for toe walking is not known.