Anybody have a kid that walks on his/her toes?

[Maria395712]

get a second opion and see only a pediatric doctor they know kids go to your nearest children's hospital for referrals

maria

 

[sPaRkLeSpAz]

I used to do that when I was younger. I have videos of me walking on my toes.

 

[Pinnie]

I am a teacher of children with developmental delays. Personally, I would get a second opinion. In my state, a child can NOT receive OT or PT services from the school district without a prescription and diagnosis from a doctor. I have had a number of kids over the years who were toe walkers that were either put in braces or given injections of Botox. One of the issues is that the heel cords can get very tight and that could result in eventual surgery to release them. Also, according to our PT, prolonged toe walking can cause the hips and back to go out of alignment.

pinnie

 

[DazedandConfused]

I am a therapist and although I work with the opposite population (geriatrics and adult rehab) I have had affiliations in pediatrics as a student. I would definately get a referal for a Physical Therapist from your pediatrican. I would start with outpatient PT if your insurance will cover it. There will most likely be a co-payment for every visit, if finances are an issue then go through your public school system. In most states therapy must be provided through the state if needed. Kids ages 0-3 y.o. are seen be early intervention and usually seen in your home sometimes at a center. This is normally free of charge - (I only know the specifics for MA). Ask your peditrician - they should be able to give you numbers and an idea where to start. I would not jump on the casting idea yet, if I were you. I would look and see if there are less invasive ways of treating the problem. One tip (not from the therapist me but the aunt of a toe walker) is to have her try to walk backwards (of course, holding her hands for safety, making it a game). She is so young, I would imagine there are many options to treat her to make positive changes without bracing just yet. HTH, Good luck!

 

[SueM in MN]

In my state, a child can NOT receive OT or PT services from the school district without a prescription and diagnosis from a doctor.

Just to clarify though, in any state, a child age 3 thru school age can be referred to the local school district for an evaluation.
Here's a link to a page of contact resources for each state from the PACER Center :
http://www.taalliance.org/centers/index.htm

 

[Pinnie]

Just to clarify though, in any state, a child age 3 thru school age can be referred to the local school district for an evaluation.
Here's a link to a page of contact resources for each state from the PACER Center :
http://www.taalliance.org/centers/index.htm

While they can be EVALUATED, in MI they can't be treated without a diagnosis and/or prescription.

pinnie

 

[SueM in MN]

While they can be EVALUATED, in MI they can't be treated without a diagnosis and/or prescription.

pinnie

That's what I meant. The process can be started and they will get the appropriate approvals/orders.
There are some posts that suggested going to a PT for casting and/or other treatment. That could not be done without a physician referral, but anyone can request an early childhood evaluation.

 

[joannelee217]

I am a teacher of children with developmental delays. Personally, I would get a second opinion. In my state, a child can NOT receive OT or PT services from the school district without a prescription and diagnosis from a doctor. I have had a number of kids over the years who were toe walkers that were either put in braces or given injections of Botox. One of the issues is that the heel cords can get very tight and that could result in eventual surgery to release them. Also, according to our PT, prolonged toe walking can cause the hips and back to go out of alignment.

pinnie

I'd get 2nd opinion too
my little one walked on toes to
she was diagnosed with aspergers syndrome

so check it out

 

[LiLIrishChick63]

definatly take her for another opinion. but just know that if they say the same things, chances are you're gonna hafta cast her for that long. i hate doctors i swear. i went into the emergency room a few years back because i was having trouble breathing. first of all they took some older guy with the same problem, before me. secondly the doctor there told me it was stress. when i continuted to have problems now and again i went to my actual doctor and told him and he told me i had asthma. so....the emergency room doctor said i was fine.......how nice! not to mention, this was 6 hours after i arrived at the ER. anyway, my point is to definatly get a second opinion and the walking will probably be a lot for her little toes so definatly take a stroller and use it as much as possible.

 

[cinder1]

I didn't read every reply so forgive me if this is totally redundant. My now 8 yr old DD was also a toe walker for a very long time. I asked my ped about it. He also said don't worry, but I was concerned since it can be a sign of autism. But I ignored it since she had no other symptoms of autism. Well, she is fine and is quite the dancer, especially good at turns. She competes and is in classes with older girls and her leaps and turns teacher says she is a natural turner. She still walks on her toes periodically, particularly when she is very happy!! Get a 2nd opinion. If you are concerned about other symptoms, have your ped evaluate her for autism spectrum disorder. Also, if you have lost confidence in the first dr, find a permanent other one. I have learned to really trust my instincts with my kids (4 of them). You know her best and know if there are other symptoms or not.

 

[kimba]

As you can see there are a lot of others out there that have toe-walkers or are themselves. I have 3 children that are toe-walkers. When my first girl was 3 years old we took her to a pediatric orthopedist. All we had to do were some stretches with her. She hated it but we did it with the threat that she might have to have casts or surgery. We didn't care for this doctor so we never went back. She is now 11 years old and still walks on her tip toes sometimes. I do think it is important to keep an eye on it so the muscles don't tighten.
Please don't start worrying about your DD having Autism just because of toe-walking. My middle son (7) has autism and while toe-walking can be a characteristic it is not for all autistic children. My youngest daughter (4) also walks on her toes and has no developmental disorder. Defintely keep having her evaluated for speech delays and continue closely monitoring her development with your pediatrician. I have heard toe-walking is genetic. You sound like you are on top of things and have gotten lots of feedback. Good luck! hope you had a great trip!

 

[MelodyMack]

My little sister was a toe walker...this thread really brought back some memories. I was unaware that some of these conditions even existed, so please let me assure you that I am in no way making light of any medical condition...

BUT MAN WE TEASED HER LIKE CRAZY!!! Of course she outgrew it eventually, and now when me DD4 gets excited and prances on her toes we call her "Stacy Jr."

I am certainly no doc, and some have suggested getting a second opinion. My experience is just with my widdle sister, who outgrew her "toe walking" and is now a 26 year young woman with three college degrees...who only walks on her toes now after she's had one too many marguaritas.

Don't let all this information scare you OP. If your munchkin is like my sister, then this too shall pass.

Mel

 

[GeauxTigger]

My little sister was a toe walker...this thread really brought back some memories. I was unaware that some of these conditions even existed, so please let me assure you that I am in no way making light of any medical condition...

BUT MAN WE TEASED HER LIKE CRAZY!!! Of course she outgrew it eventually, and now when me DD4 gets excited and prances on her toes we call her "Stacy Jr."

I am certainly no doc, and some have suggested getting a second opinion. My experience is just with my widdle sister, who outgrew her "toe walking" and is now a 26 year young woman with three college degrees...who only walks on her toes now after she's had one too many marguaritas.

Don't let all this information scare you OP. If your munchkin is like my sister, then this too shall pass.

Mel

It brought back memories for me too! My older cousin was a toe walker too! She did just fine, is now married with kids, is a teacher, but a toe walker no more . That was so long ago, I wonder if her parents even knew there were conditions that her toe walking could have been a symptom of.

That said, the OP should get a second opinion! If anything, it will help put your mind at ease.