Is your child always on their tiptoes? While it may look adorable at first, many parents start to wonder: Is this normal? Will they grow out of it? Should I be worried?
At Physio & Sole Clinic, we regularly see concerned parents who are looking for answers. Toe walking is one of the most common gait issues we see in children under six in Singapore.
In this blog, we explain everything you need to know about toe walking in children in Singapore—what it is, when to be concerned, what causes it, and how physiotherapists and podiatrists can help.
What Is Toe Walking?
Toe walking is a pattern where a child walks on the balls of their feet or tiptoes, with minimal or no heel contact.
It’s quite common in toddlers just learning to walk, and many outgrow it naturally. However, if your child is still toe walking beyond the age of 2 to 3 years, it could be a sign of an underlying issue.
Did you know?
- Around 2% of typically developing children still toe walk at 5.5 years old
- Among children with developmental delays or disorders, over 40% continue to toe walk at that age
Why Is My Child Toe Walking?
There are a few common reasons children walk on their toes:
Normal Developmental Phase:
Occasional toe walking under the age of 2 is typically part of natural motor exploration.
Idiopathic Toe Walking:
If your child is over 3 and still toe walking with no medical cause, they may have idiopathic toe walking—a habit that can affect up to 5% of healthy children.
Underlying Conditions:
In some cases, toe walking may be linked to:
- Tight calf muscles or a shortened Achilles tendon
- Sensory processing sensitivities
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Neuromuscular conditions such as cerebral palsy
In Singapore, motor delays or unusual walking patterns are often first noticed during HPB preschool health screenings or by your child’s paediatrician. If your child is missing developmental milestones, it’s worth booking a gait assessment early.
Should I Be Worried About Pain or Long-Term Effects?
At Physio & Sole Clinic, we take a gentle, multi-disciplinary approach tailored to your child’s needs. Here’s how we can help:
Physiotherapy
- Stretching tight calf and hamstring muscles
- Strengthening leg and foot muscles
- Gait retraining using fun, play-based exercises
- Improving balance and motor coordination
Podiatry
- Assessing foot structure and muscle tone with gait analysis
- Custom orthotics (if needed) to promote heel strike
- Shoe modifications to encourage better walking habits
Good to know: Eligible developmental services may be claimable under the Baby Bonus or CHAS schemes (T&Cs apply). Find out more here.
What Is Gait Analysis And Why Does It Matter for Toe Walking?
Gait analysis is a detailed assessment of how your child walks. At Physio & Sole Clinic, it’s a key part of how we diagnose and treat toe walking in children.
Using both visual observation and specialised tools, our physiotherapists and podiatrists assess:
- Foot placement and heel strike
- Muscle activation patterns
- Balance, posture, and joint movement
- Symmetry and stride length
Why It’s Important:
Gait analysis helps us determine whether toe walking is just a habit or a sign of something more, like tight calf muscles, sensory issues, or developmental delays. This allows us to create a tailored treatment plan that addresses the root cause, not just the symptoms.
For kids, our assessments are child-friendly and often feel like play. We may use treadmills, walking platforms, or slow-motion video analysis to ensure we don’t miss subtle signs.
Many parents find that understanding their child’s walking pattern brings peace of mind, and early intervention leads to better long-term outcomes.
Footwear Tips for Toe Walkers
The right footwear can make a big difference in managing toe walking. Here’s what we recommend:
Do Choose:
- Shoes with firm heel counters for stability
- Structured soles to promote heel contact
- Barefoot time indoors to build foot awareness
Avoid:
- Super flexible or overly cushioned soles
- Crocs, slides, or high-cut shoes
- Shoes that are too tight or encourage toe walking
Where to Get Help for Toe Walking in Singapore?
If your child is still toe walking beyond age 2–3, or if you’re noticing signs like stiffness, pain, or frequent tripping, it’s a good idea to seek a professional opinion.
At Physio & Sole Clinic, our friendly team of paediatric physiotherapists and podiatrists are here to support you. We’ve helped hundreds of children across Singapore walk more confidently and comfortably through personalised, child-friendly care.
Let us help your child walk, run, and grow with confidence. Book a consultation with our podiatrists today.
