Toe walking can be observed during a physical exam. Sometimes, the healthcare professional may do a gait analysis or an exam known as electromyography (EMG).
During an EMG, a thin needle with an electrode is inserted into a muscle in the leg. The electrode measures the electrical activity in the affected nerve or muscle.
If the healthcare professional suspects a condition such as cerebral palsy or autism spectrum disorder, the next step may be to have a neurological exam or testing for developmental delays.
If your child is toe walking out of habit, treatment isn’t needed. Your child is likely to outgrow the habit. Your healthcare team might simply monitor your child’s gait during office visits.
If a physical problem is contributing to toe walking, treatment options might include:
If the toe walking is related to cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder or other problems, treatment also will include addressing the underlying condition.
You’ll probably first bring your concerns to the attention of your primary healthcare professional — a family doctor, nurse practitioner, physician assistant or pediatrician. The health professional might refer you to a doctor specializing in nerve function, called a neurologist, or to orthopedic surgery.
Before your appointment, you might want to write a list of questions, including:
Your healthcare professional is likely to ask some of the following questions:
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