What options are out here for her? I have taken her to a specialist several times. They put her in a cast for 6wks on each leg. That just proved that her heel chord can stretch but then she went right back to walking on her toes. Then they made some special cast for her to sleep in, that didn't work. I finally suggested to the specialist that she needed something to wear during the day. Of course they weren't hearing me. So they finally said It's something in her brain that's making her walk like that. Now she says it. This is a bunch of bull. I'm open to see a real Dr. or Surgeon who is capable of fixing this issue.
Thanks so much for your suggestions. I have taken her to an Orthopedics Surgen. Her peds Dr told me she should out grow this by 3 but that never happened. There's nothing medically wrong with her she's doing good in school, no behavior problems. She just walks on her toes ALL the time. She loses her balance when she tries to walk flat. Kind of slu-footed & hunches over. But she can walk just fine in my heels though...lol. As we all know she's too young for heels. Just wish there was a Dr. who would work with me on this.
It is very much a family thing...I see it in all 3 of my kids, I worked harder reminding my now oldest son then I have with any of the other two...I catch myself doing it all the time...unless it is causing a serious health issue I would not make a big deal of it, as she gets older...she will be more concerned about it = )
They are right, there likely is something 'in her brain' that causes this. My daughters walk on their tip toes as do I if I don't consciously think about it. It's related to neurological issues, such as sensory integration dysfunction (does she seem to be particularly sensitive to sound or touch or get over stimulated or is she always moving/going/running into things?) Asperger Syndrome or Autism Spectrum Disorder are also common to find with toe walkers. Some have said their very gifted children are tow walkers, so perhaps they have AS but are so high functioning all anyone notices is the toe walking and their brilliance!
No one really knows exactly why it happens. Surgery isn't going to help right now, but I did meet one adult who needed surgery because as she grew older her legs never grew appropriately. an occupational therapist who helps with walking or with sensory integration disorder might be of some great help. Apparently some use something called Piedro Boots
http://www.asdfriendly.org/board/index.php?showtopic=8626
http://www.asdfriendly.org/board/index.php?showtopic=9966
Please feel free to PM me.
S.
Hello,
I think that there are too many highly paid doctors who don't really know that much, in our world. Most are great, but there are many who aren't. This IS a habit and it can be broken. For a half hour every day or night, have her practice walking. toe to heel. Bad waking habits can & Do cause back problems as we grow older; and many other issues. Besides it is embarrassing. I was in physical therapy for a bad back injury, and the therapist noticed right away that I do not walk correctly and she started teaching me how to walk properly! Now I can walk better and less back pains. I pray that some how my comment helps you and your daughter! May God bless & guide you both!
Sincerely & Truly,
Kathy N.
What kind of "Specialist" are you seeing? Is it an occupational therapist? This may be a sensory issue (which may mean it is something in her brain). But if that is the case, the OT should be able to help with that.
Does anyone else in the family walk on tip toes? My ex husband does sometimes and both of our kids do, ages 10 and 7. They don't always do it but sometimes, especially if they are barefoot. Is it affecting her walking? Maybe its not a medical necessary to have surgery. I never thought it was a problem for my kids since they walk and run and don't have any problems. Good luck.
I had a friend in grade school and up that had the same thing. She could walk flat footed and did most of the time, at home she would rather walk on her toes. As an adult she always wear high heals. It is just more comfortable for her. Try reminding your daughter, she can walk flat footed. I might just be a habit, that can be broken. If she can't then, it didn't work. I would get a 2nd, 3rd, 4th, opinion until you get someone to listen to you.
I had a friend that did this and it was because she had "non-progressive" cerebal palsy. This was the only noticeable symptom of it that she had. I am not sure what made her doctor's make this diagnosis but that's what they claimed she had.
What does your daughter say as to why she walks on her toes? She can't do it any other way?
My daughter used to do that, but she stopped when she was 4 or 5.
Does anyone say this could resolve itself over time?
