IS YOUR KID WALKING ON THEIR TIPTOES ALL THE TIME?
One of the reasons parents bring their children to see an Osteopath is that they have noticed that their child is spending a lot of time walking around on their tiptoes.
What is assessed when a child presents with Tippy Toe walking?
An Osteopath will complete a full musculoskeletal assessment and neurological assessment. This may sound scary, but we need to make sure that we can rule out any neurological issues such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy first. Once we rule the more serious causes of Tip Toe walking, we then look at how the child's ankle and foot moves in relation to their calf muscles and achilles tendon. We also assess the child’s general movements such as jumping and hopping and look at the other muscles through their legs, hips and back. We also check your child’s reflexes and make sure that developmentally they are on track for their age.
Other reasons children may Tippy Toe walk could be that their centre of gravity is off balance and they naturally fall forward. When we are presented with children like this it is important to understand their previous medical history. Have they had recurrent ear infections or knocks to their head? Do they fall over easily? All these possibilities need to be checked by a Paediatric Osteopath.
The Most Common Cause presenting at Osteo for Families for Tippy Toe Walking
One of the most common reasons for tip toe walking that presents at Osteo for Families is that the gastrocnemius or soleus muscle muscle which makes up the calf muscle is really tight. This muscle is shortened and therefore makes it uncomfortable / hard for the child to make their heel contact the ground with each step taken. For these kids, they then get into the habit of tippy toe walking without realising. This may stem from birth if they were born with talipes or club feet.
Exercises to help with Tip Toe Walking
Exercises that can help stretch the calf muscles and improve ankle mobility include:
ZOMBIE STRETCH (aka calf stretch) - in a split stance, keeping the back heel on the ground, move weight forward until feel a stretching/ pulling feel in the back calf, hold for 20 seconds (zombies are slow!) then take a step forward and stretch the other leg. Add the arms up and some noises for some optional zombie additions.
ABCs Ankle writing - sitting on the edge of a chair or bed so feet are off the floor, pretend your big toe is a texta and try and write the alphabet with your toe. Watch that the movement is from the ankle and not the knee or hip. If your child struggles with this they can either do simple circles with their ankles or else you can help them do some of the movements.
Downward dog with a pedal pump - In a downward dog yoga position, (hands and feet on ground with bottom up in the air, like you’re making a triangle). Most likely your heels will be off the floor so slowly try to bring one heel closer to the ground then back up and bring the other heel towards the ground. You should feel a stretch through your calf.
With younger kids it is often about reminding them to walk with their whole foot on the ground. So parents, that’s where you have to be watchful and gently remind your child about walking.
Some children walk differently depending if they are wearing shoes, socks or bare feet so try and take note of that if you notice them toe walking.
If you are concerned about your child and their walking style, please speak to your trusted health professional or call us at Osteo for Families to make a booking for a full examination 0416 161 411.