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Original poster

Walking on tip-toes - is it cause for concern?

21 replies

QueenEagle · 05/04/2005 23:45

ds3 is 2yrs 3mths and frequently walks on his tip-toes. He used to walk with his feet really splayed outwards and was seen by Chiropodist who wanted to see him again as she was concerned he wouldn't exercise his calf muscles enough when he walked. However, the splayed out walking has really improved and as I was heavily preg when the time for another appt was due, I didn't take him back again.

I'm just wondering if anyone elses children walk on the balls of their feet rather than with their feet flat on the floor. Is it normal or should I be worried? Is it a sign of anything else?

OP posts:
hunkermunker · 05/04/2005 23:46

I always used to do it - still do if I'm not concentrating Only when I'm barefoot though.

Original poster
QueenEagle · 05/04/2005 23:48

ds does it barefoot and with shoes on. He does it so often that it's become really noticable -IYSWIM?

OP posts:
hunkermunker · 05/04/2005 23:49

Can he walk with his feet flat on the floor (that sounds wrong, but ykwim!) if you ask him to?

Original poster
QueenEagle · 05/04/2005 23:54

Yes he can, sort of. You know the normal sort of walk where the heel touches the floor first then the middle then the toes in that order? Well he doesn't do it like that. It's more sort of balls of feet first then heel.

OP posts:
hunkermunker · 06/04/2005 00:00

He can put his heels down though? He doesn't stand on tiptoes the whole time? Can he pull his toes up towards him if he sits down with his legs out in front of him? I'm not a professional here, btw - just interested and as somebody who gets 'told off' by their DH when she walks on her tiptoes around the house

I'd say that if you're worried, it would be a good idea to take him back to the chiropodist.

Jimjams · 06/04/2005 08:25

usually completely normal (a phase) but can occasionally be a sign of other problems (some sensory, some physical) so if he's doing it a lot it is worth seeing your HV. If it's a sensory issue he may wwalk ok on some surfaces and not others.

emeraldefmach · 06/04/2005 08:29

My son still walks on his toes and he's 8 yrs old. He can walk with his feet 'flat' down but seems to subconsciously revert back to his toe walking. He really enjoys sports and is a fast runner so I've never noticed that it has been a problem to him.

Jimjams · 06/04/2005 08:47

It's not the walking on tip toes itself that is a problem- its the fact that it can be a sign of certain conditions which is why its always worth getting checked out if it persists. Having said that go into any nursery and you will see lots of children walking on tiptoes!

pabla · 06/04/2005 16:26

I tend to walk on tip-toes when in my bare feet and I've noticed my kids doing the same. However, there is a girl in dd's class who did this at all times and it got to the stage where she literally couldn't put her feet flat on the floor. She was referred to a specialist and does exercises and I think has special insoles. She has improved quite a lot but it took a couple of years. If you are concerned about your ds your hv should be able to refer you.

butty · 06/04/2005 16:31

have your son checked for possible flat feet as this is one of the signs and is very easily helped with special boots or insoles.

SkiBunnyFlummy · 06/04/2005 16:34

Yes its a sign hes a child. and they are wierd on account of they haven't been fully socialised yet. tell him to stop mucking about and get on with learning to read or he will get behind at school, when he goes

SkiBunnyFlummy · 06/04/2005 16:36

Also unless you are paying for a private doctor, dear god don't waste a doctors time with 'walking on tippy toes symptom' the NHS is for sick peeps and straining under the pressure of people going to GP for SFA

butty · 06/04/2005 16:45

I don't agree. If people have worries then they should have them checked out. Thats why we pay our NI and taxes. Also, had i ignored my sons problems for not walking or for standing on tip toes he would never have been diagnosed with his problems. We worry about our children and if you feel there is a even a small worrie it is still best to have it checked out!!!!!!!!

saffy202 · 06/04/2005 16:52

My ds2 (6) walked on his tip toes - still runs on them! Our HV referred him to a physiotherapist (sp!)- but they said he was fine and put it down to him standing and walking early. Maybe mention it to your HV next time you see her.

SkiBunnyFlummy · 06/04/2005 16:55

Fine don't complain then when the service is rubbish for you when something is seriously wrong and someone in your family is dying.

SkiBunnyFlummy · 06/04/2005 17:08

Sorry that was a bit of an outburst. apologies

but i do get a bit fed up with all my friends running to the doctors with minor irritations about their kids and themselves and then wondering why it is so difficult to get an appointment for something serious.

Beetroot · 06/04/2005 17:12

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

Twiglett · 06/04/2005 17:21

Have you got wooden floors?

seen lots of kids who do this (of all ages) - seemed the older ones do it to stop slipping on their wooden floors in their socks

I think its only a problem if he can't put his heel down, then it could be a tendon problem

Jimjams · 06/04/2005 18:13

SkiBunny- the reason I said it should be checked out if it continues is because it can indicate short tendons, or it can indicate CP (first sign in my cousin's kid) and it can (in combination with lots of other things) indicate dsypraxia or autism (not that my particular auti has ever done it). I also said it is almost always a normal thing- and I agree about the hard floors (which is why I put about different surfaces).

HV are meant to answer questions about this sort of thing- that's their job that's what they're there for. QE going to get her concerns checked out with a HV is hardly going to block access for anyone else.

I encourage people to get any concen checked out. I was owrried about making a fuss when I had niggles with ds1. I should have been pushing for him to be seen. Still feel guilty about that.

treacletart · 06/04/2005 18:20

My ds(21m) did a lot of tiptoeing in bare/stocking feet for about 2 weeks a few months back, we've also had a similarly amusing walking backwards stage

spykid · 06/04/2005 18:59

ds2 has always done it and is now 4 1/2.
Had him checked by HV just to be sure and she said it was a common habit and not to worry.
He is very agile, a good runner and very sports minded, he CAN walk with flat feet and does with shoes on. Tends to revert back in bare feet though.
Wouldn't worry, like to think it's a sign of individuality myself

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