My little one just turned three and is still toe walking. She can walk flat footed when prompted, but seems to just prefer to be on her toes.
At her three-year check up I discussed this with the doc. I waited until now, because by three it usually corrects itself. So, he found her to have reduced flexion in her foot, possibly because of a tight ankle cord.
I will have to take her to a pediatric ortho.
I've read everything I can about it. Correction can be as mild as PT and orthotics or as major as special casting with a boot and surgery.
Has anyone had any BTDT experience with this?
I absolutely dread the thought of casting her for six weeks. I'll know more once she's evaluated, but I just wondered if anyone here had been through this.
Thanks,
Ame

By Pamt on Friday, October 5, 2007 - 09:30 pm:

I have experience through my previous job with several kids who were toe-walkers. A lot of times PT with some orthotics can help you avoid the casting. I would definitely try that route first. Good luck!

By Tink on Friday, October 5, 2007 - 09:43 pm:

Ame, I personally don't have any experience but I know several children that were toe walkers. All but one were able to just go through PT, a couple with orthotics. The one that did need surgery had such severe tension that she was completely unable to walk flat-footed. If H is able to walk flat but chooses not to, she'll more than likely respond well to the PT. Good luck!

By Crystal915 on Saturday, October 6, 2007 - 01:32 am:

My son is still a toe walker on occasion, but at 5 he doesn't do it as much. Like your DD, he COULD walk flat, just didn't! The docs were confident he would grow out of it, and had us keep him in good sturdy shoes, in addition to a follow along treatment of stretches and exercises. She really did fine without any PT or more invasive treatments. I hope your little one responses well to the PT!

By Jtsmom on Saturday, October 6, 2007 - 07:17 pm:

My son is about to turn 7 and has been a toe walker all of his life. He does walk right when we tell him to. He went through about 6 months of PT, but it didn't help. We have just changed peds, and I haven't brought it to his attention yet. The other ped, didn't seemed too concerned, nor did the ped. orth. we went to (twice). I would really like to see him off of his toes, because I can tell that the toe area of his foot is getting so wide.