Last reviewed: September 29, 2026

Usually yes. Walking on tiptoe is common when children first learn to walk. When children were followed from birth, about 4 in 5 children who walked on their toes had stopped by age 10, without treatment.

Most of the time there is no need to worry. A child who toe walks on both feet, is otherwise developing normally, and can stand with the heels flat on the ground usually needs no treatment.

In most of these children, no cause is found (idiopathic toe walking). It is more common in boys and may run in families.

Toe walking is more common in children with autism or other delays in development. It can also be a sign of a nerve problem such as cerebral palsy. A doctor should check a child who toe walks on one side only, walked late, or has weakness or delays in speech or learning. A tight calf on its own does not mean something else is wrong.

Reminding a child to put the heels down, stretching, physical therapy, special shoes and braces have not been proven to change toe walking. Casts can loosen a tight calf, but the toe walking often comes back. When an older child’s calf stays too tight for the heels to reach the ground, surgery to lengthen the calf muscle or heel cord is an option. It is the treatment most likely to last, though walking may not become fully normal.

In general:

  • A young child who toe walks but is otherwise developing normally can usually be watched.
  • See your child’s doctor if the toe walking is on one side only, or comes with weakness or delays in walking, speech or learning.
  • If an older child still toe walks, ask the doctor whether the calf is tight.

Drafted with AI assistance from published sources, reviewed and edited by Babak Sheikh, MD.

Sources:

This is general information about what published research shows. It is not medical advice and it is not about your situation. Reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship with me. I am a retired orthopedic surgeon and I do not see patients. Talk with your own doctor before changing anything about your care. If something feels suddenly or seriously wrong, get medical care promptly rather than waiting.

This page is provided as is. I make no guarantee that it is accurate, complete or current, and medical evidence changes. Use of it is at your own risk.

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