Digitized step

Digitigrade walking refers to a way of walking on the forefoot , that is, on the toes (the fingers of the foot), without putting the heels on the ground.

• The body's weight rests primarily on the heads of the metatarsals and the toes , not on the heel.

• This is contrasted with plantigrade walking (normal in humans), where the heel and sole of the foot are in contact with the ground with each step.

• It is "normal" in some animals (cats, dogs, etc.), but in humans it is often pathological or compensatory (e.g., Achilles tendon retractions, spasticity, neurological disorder, habit in children, etc.).

In physiotherapy consultations, a toe-walking gait is never just "a detail of posture." It gives us valuable information about how the child (or adult) uses their body, manages their balance, and organizes their foot placement on the ground.

First, we'll try to find out why the person is walking on tiptoe:

• Achilles tendon or calf muscle retraction,

• hypertonia / spasticity (neurological)

• sensory disturbance (foot that "doesn't like" the contact with the ground),

• motor habit after a period of pain or wearing a cast

• or sometimes simply a variation of motor development in toddlers.

The role of physiotherapy is then to identify the cause and propose a personalized treatment plan. This may include:

• ankle stretching and mobility exercises ,

• muscle strengthening ( feet, ankles, torso) to secure heel support,

• a task requiring balance and coordination,

• fun activities to relearn how to place your whole foot on the ground,

• advice on shoes , walking habits and sports activities.

In children, the goal is not just to "lengthen the calves", but above all to allow them to vary their support , to gain stability and to prevent persistent toe-walking from leading to long-term pain, falls or compensations in the knees, hips or back.

If you notice that your child (or you yourself) often walks on tiptoe, has difficulty placing their heels on the ground, or complains of pain, a physiotherapy assessment can help to clarify the situation and implement simple strategies to improve daily walking.