When a child walks on the balls of their feet instead of their heels, it’s called pediatric toe walking. While common in toddlers, persistent toe walking can lead to long-term gait issues and joint problems if not addressed. At Pediatric Foot & Ankle, Dr. Mikkel Jarman, a leading board-certified pediatric podiatrist, specializes in diagnosing and treating toe walking with a clear, proven approach.
When Is It Time to Act?
Many children toe walk as they learn to walk, but if the habit persists past the age of three, it’s a sign you should seek professional help. You should book an appointment with Dr. Jarman if your child:
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- Is over the age of three and still toe walking.
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- Cannot easily place their heels flat on the ground.
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- Complains of leg pain or discomfort.
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- Has difficulty with balance or coordination.
Dr. Jarman will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the cause and provide a clear treatment path to prevent long-term issues. Don’t wait—early intervention can make a significant difference.
Why Early Evaluation for Toe Walking Is Crucial
Dr. Jarman believes in a proactive approach. Early evaluation is key to preventing more invasive procedures later. By identifying the root cause of toe walking, he can create a personalized treatment plan that helps your child develop a normal heel-to-toe walking pattern, avoiding potential long-term complications.
Proven Treatment Options for Pediatric Toe Walking
Dr. Jarman provides a full spectrum of care, from non-invasive therapies to advanced surgical solutions.
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- Conservative Treatment (Non-Surgical): For many children, toe walking treatment begins with conservative care. Dr. Jarman expertly prescribes and fits custom nighttime toe-walking braces. These braces gently stretch the calf and Achilles tendon. With consistent use, this approach can lead to significant improvements, often correcting the walking pattern without the need for surgery.
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- Achilles Tendon Lengthening (ATL) Surgery: When conservative methods are not enough, Dr. Jarman performs an Achilles Tendon Lengthening (ATL) surgery with unmatched expertise. This advanced surgical procedure restores normal heel-to-toe walking, allowing children to stand with straight knees and flat heels. Families travel from across the country to have him perform this life-changing operation.
Why Choose Dr. Mikkel Jarman?
Parents choose Pediatric Foot & Ankle because of Dr. Jarman’s unparalleled expertise. As one of the nation’s only board-certified pediatric podiatrists specializing in toe walking treatment, he provides a level of confidence and precision that is hard to find.
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- Unmatched Expertise: Dr. Jarman doesn’t guess. He provides a precise diagnosis and a confident, effective treatment plan.
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- The Jarman Technique for Pediatric Toe Walking Correction: He is one of the few doctors in the world with this specific specialization, making him a trusted authority on pediatric foot and ankle conditions.
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- Life-Changing Results: Families from Arizona and beyond rely on his experience and consistently see remarkable, life-changing outcomes.
Convenient Appointments: In-Office and Telehealth
Whether you’re in the Phoenix area or live out of state, getting expert care is easy. Dr. Jarman offers:
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- In-person evaluations at our kid-friendly clinic.
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- Telehealth consultations that bring his expertise right to your home.
Ready to Help Your Child Walk Confidently?
If you have concerns about your child’s gait, don’t wait. Dr. Mikkel Jarman is the expert in pediatric toe walking treatment. He provides precise evaluation, custom bracing, and advanced surgical correction when needed—all with one goal: helping your child walk flat-footed, pain-free, and confident.
👉 Take the first step toward confident walking. Book your in-office or telehealth appointment with Dr. Jarman today.
