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Original poster

Toddler who walks on tiptoes

27 replies

Lelophants · 15/05/2022 20:40

My toddler loves walking on tiptoes! I’m not terribly concerned as he can walk normally and doesn’t seem to have any mobility issues, but whenever he’s excited or playing he runs around on tiptoes and I’ve not noticed any other little kids do this 🤦‍♀️I have to be really careful to cut his nails frequently because they’ll go inwards if not because of him doing this! He’s 2 and a half.

has anyone else noticed similar?

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SailingBuddy · 15/05/2022 20:43

My DS used to walk on his tip toes. Turns out he was hypermobile and it was easier for him to walk on tip toes as it was less work for his muscles than heel-toe walking. Physio and specific exercises sorted it

MayorOfGentlemanTown · 15/05/2022 20:48

Are there any concerns around his social development? This can be a behaviour seen in autistic children.

HSKAT · 15/05/2022 20:48

Yeah my son does it, currently waiting on autism diagnosis.

Any other things you have noticed?

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Searchingsound · 15/05/2022 20:49

I was going to say isn’t it a sign of autism

Anonnnnnnm · 15/05/2022 20:51

Not always autism. Can be to do with tendons etc. nephew currently waiting for treatment for this, definitely not autistic.

MayorOfGentlemanTown · 15/05/2022 20:54

Tip walking when excited is different to tip toe walking caused by tight tendons.

Original poster
Lelophants · 15/05/2022 22:15

What are the signs of tight tendons?

He’s completely normal developmentally and socially. He also does that waving of arms when excited but we were told that was fine if only done when excited.

OP posts:
Danikm151 · 15/05/2022 22:24

My son tip toes a lot. I spoke to HV and the Dr said to wait till he’s 3 as it’s a habit they can grow out of. He can put his feet flat but likes to tip toe
i was skeptical but just have to wait and see.

GreeboIsMySpiritAnimal · 15/05/2022 22:28

My DD tip-toe walked from an early age, she's autistic.

Original poster
Lelophants · 15/05/2022 22:28

Oh no I’m worried now :(

OP posts:
problembottom · 15/05/2022 22:32

My nephew did this all the time, it was very noticeable and quirky looking. He’s now 9 and he’s never been diagnosed with anything and he doesn’t walk on his tiptoes anymore!

My DD is 3 and I’ve noticed a few of her friends do it so it’s not uncommon.

GreenGarlic · 15/05/2022 22:33

I walked on tip toes. Parents thought it hilarious which was why they remembered and told me when I was older. I remember it just felt nice; a fun way to walk. Nothing more than that to say about it.

bakewellbride · 15/05/2022 22:36

The only child I know who does this has ASD and a sensory disorder.

Vicky1989x · 15/05/2022 22:37

My 2 year old DD does it now and then. She suffers with constipation and I notice she does it more when she’s constipated. Is he constipated at all?

fireandpaint · 15/05/2022 22:37

My nephew and a little boy at my dds preschool do this - both have asd diagnoses. However they both have other traits which obviously led to the diagnosis. It could just be a habit or a sensory thing - I would just keep an eye on it.

AngelsWithSilverWings · 15/05/2022 22:38

This is so odd as we were talking about this with my 16 year old son today as he still does it but only when barefoot or in socks around the house. He has always done it and we first noticed it when he was a toddler. He is 6ft4 so it makes him seem even taller which is why we often mention it.

Never knew it could be a sign of autism. My son's half sibling is autistic but was diagnosed very late ( early teens) We have sometimes suspected DS has autistic traits and he recently did an on line test that came out as borderline autistic ( can't remember the exact wording)

elliejjtiny · 15/05/2022 22:39

My son does this. He is nearly 9 and definitely not autistic. We are currently waiting to see an orthopedic dr.

Ridiculousradish · 15/05/2022 22:40

Chill out everyone. I'm 38 and walked on my tiptoes loads when I was little. Possibly wanted to be a ballerina, not sure really. Anyways, had my feet and legs upto my knees in plaster to try to get me to put my heels down. Not sure it worked, think I just grew out of it. I do have short tendons in my legs, whether that's to do with the tiptoe walking or why I did it, I don't know. I do daily stretches which do help.

Deadringer · 15/05/2022 22:40

I had forgotten but my dd walked on her tippy toes when she was little. She grew out of it and is an adult now with no issues or SN.

Ridiculousradish · 15/05/2022 22:41

@Vicky1989x I was constipated a lot as a kid. I wonder if it was related. Don't think so, but interesting!

Original poster
Lelophants · 15/05/2022 22:47

Vicky1989x · 15/05/2022 22:37

My 2 year old DD does it now and then. She suffers with constipation and I notice she does it more when she’s constipated. Is he constipated at all?

I will keep an eye on this thank you

OP posts:
FailedFledge · 15/05/2022 22:49

I did this, it was short Achilles tendons in both ankles. My primary school teacher was the one to flag it with my parents in year 6. By that point they were incredibly painful to touch and I developed an aversion to "and does this hurt?"

Heartofglass12345 · 15/05/2022 23:05

My son does this and he is 6, we just remind him to put his feet down as he will stand on his toes when trying to get dressed etc and nearly fall over. For what it's worth my eldest is autistic and never tiptoed. Just keep an eye out for any other possible signs.

Vittoria123 · 10/08/2024 19:59

Lelophants · 15/05/2022 22:47

I will keep an eye on this thank you

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Hi
how’s your son now ?

Dadofboy842 · 16/07/2025 10:02

@Lelophants Hello, some update?