thread: 3 1/2 year old still walks on his tip-toes.

  1. #1
    Registered User

    Feb 2006
    NSW Central Coast
    5,301

    3 1/2 year old still walks on his tip-toes.

    My little man, who is 4 in August, still walks on his tippy toes sometimes. It isn't all day, but I regularly see him through the day walking on his toes. Should it be a concern? I know it can be a flag for spectrum disorders, but I have no concerns for him in that regard. He can wear shoes like joggers and boots with no issues. Could it be an indication of something wrong with his ankles or feet, or is it just a habit he has?

  2. #2
    BellyBelly Life Subscriber

    Feb 2006
    melbourne
    11,462

    He could have shortened archillies, I'd ask your GP, he may need physio

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Apr 2006
    Perth
    4,203

    DD2 turned 4 last week and spends most of her time on her toes - she's my little fairy. I've been concerned about it in the past because as you say, its an indicator of autism, but she's been assessed.

    Also been concerned because of it causing potential issues with muscles and her growing skeleton but been assured by her paed that because she can walk flat footed, and does at times, its just her thing. We're keeping an eye on it, but not panicking that its something sinister. Definitely worth checking out though, if for nothing more than to put your mind at ease.

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Apr 2008
    Castlemaine
    436

    My DD is 3.5 and has always walked on her tippy toes. We see a physio and podiatrist and she has special exercises to do each day to stretch her calf muscles as walking on tippy toes can shorten them. She also wears an insert in her shoes which is stiff so it's harder for her to get up on her toes. She's much better now than she used to be - it's seems to be a habit for DD rather than a spectrum indicator, although she has speech delay so we are part of the early intervention program and see a speech pathologist as well. We were referred to the early intervention program by our child health nurse but you could go through your gp as well. Good luck!

  5. #5
    BellyBelly Member
    Add ~*Niadalla*~ on Facebook

    Jan 2007
    VIC
    2,199

    My 4.5 year old does it most days. It's not all the time and it doesn't affect his running/walking/balance or anything like that at all.

    I've seen a few professionals who haven't been worried about it.
    DS has been doing it since he learnt to walk.

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Dec 2010
    262

    My nephew is 9 and still tippy toe walks....he has been checked out and there is no reason why he does it....He doesnt even realse most of the time unless we tell him to quit it.
    Its worse when he is barefoot it in thongs... Nothing has worked to get him to stop.