Toe Walking
Toe walking is a condition in which the patient walks on the toes or ball of the foot. This can be present in children, and adults. These conditions can either be habitual or caused by shortened Achilles tendons.
Toe walking is seen in children when they first start walking. Most children develop proper heel to toe gait with age. However, some children continue to have a toe walking gait. This condition can be caused by neurological or muscular disorders. A detailed biomechanical examination of the lower extremity is helpful in determining the etiology.
In adults, tight Achilles tendons can lead to a toe walking gait. In this type of gait, the equinus gait, the heel lifts early during ambulation. This type of gait can lead to other foot problems such as plantar fasciitis, and big toe joint pain. Stretching of the Achilles tendon can be attempted to reduce this pathology.
Toe walking is a condition in which the patient walks on the toes or ball of the foot. This can be present in children, and adults. These conditions can either be habitual or caused by shortened Achilles tendons.
Toe walking is seen in children when they first start walking. Most children develop proper heel to toe gait with age. However, some children continue to have a toe walking gait. This condition can be caused by neurological or muscular disorders. A detailed biomechanical examination of the lower extremity is helpful in determining the etiology.
In adults, tight Achilles tendons can lead to a toe walking gait. In this type of gait, the equinus gait, the heel lifts early during ambulation. This type of gait can lead to other foot problems such as plantar fasciitis, and big toe joint pain. Stretching of the Achilles tendon can be attempted to reduce this pathology.