Tiptoe walking

When walking, many muscles are involuntarily activated. Our body controls the tension of the individual muscles via the central nervous system. Our muscles only do what the brain tells them to do. When malfunctioning, the muscles can become hypertonic or overly tense. If the tension is uneven, doctors speak of muscular dystonia.

A baby walking on tiptoe: when is a doctor needed?

Should you panic if your child tiptoes, trots in place, and doesn't like standing on a full foot? In circles of friends, on the Internet and sometimes even among doctors, there are two completely opposite opinions. In the first case, parents are asked to calm down and do nothing: it is an age-related phenomenon that passes as soon as the child gets tired of this type of walking and the foot becomes stronger. The second opinion recommends urgent medical attention as tiptoe walking is indicative of neurological and orthopedic abnormalities, manifested in a dislike of stepping on heels. Where is the truth and when do children need to see a doctor?

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Baby on tiptoe: When do you need to see a doctor?

The parents' fears are always passed on to the children, and if mum, dad or dear grandparents are particularly worried about their child's gait, a visit to the doctor can't hurt. Nowadays you don't have to stand in long lines to make an appointment - just call +7 (499) 519-32-56 and save yourself a lot of unnecessary stress.

What should all parents know? In most cases, walking on tiptoe is completely normal and conforms to age-related musculoskeletal norms. In some cases, this symptom, in combination with others, is part of a multi-disorder symptom syndrome. How do I know if my child is age appropriate?

• Your child will grow and learn new skills in an age-appropriate way. It is generally healthy, and the therapist and neurologist have no concerns or diagnose any abnormalities. Freaks, stunted growth, and seasonal infections should not be considered as all children go through periods of character formation and immune system adjustment.
• The child is able to stand up normally when asked or spontaneously, with full support, without pain or strain.
• Motor coordination is normal, the child stumbles and falls no more often than other children his age. Motor skills progress without long pauses: the child learns to climb stairs, walk and jump in a timely manner, without particularly distinguishing itself from peers.
• When walking, the legs are not bent at the knees.
• The child places the toes on both feet instead of one.

When all of these characteristics are present, toe walking is called idiopathic. This means that the child is normal, has no abnormalities, and is walking that way for reasons that are inexplicable but not pathological. If there are signs of an abnormality, be sure to make an appointment with the doctor.

The opinion of dr. Komarovsky

dr Komarovsky devoted an entire program to the reasons why a child stands on its toes. In it, he willingly shares his experiences and enlightens young mothers about the causes and possible consequences of their baby's abnormal walking.

According to Komarowski, it is only worth investigating why a child walks on tiptoe from the age of about three years. This period of life is entirely dedicated to the acquisition of a new, fundamental mode of locomotion. You can try walking backwards, on your heels, on your ribs, or on your toes. With each month that passes, you should notice that your child's gait is becoming more secure, your child has excellent balance, and is running faster.

If your child is walking on tiptoe, Dr. Komarovsky urges you to take a closer look at your child's other developmental characteristics and habits. The presence of a pathology should not be excluded.

The renowned pediatrician names three causes of an abnormal foot position that parents need not worry about:

If you have an abnormal muscle tone (strain or dystonia), it is usually advisable to wait. Swimming and gymnastics are a good idea. Over time, the problem should resolve itself as the legs get stronger.

Komarovskiy explains standing up on tiptoe with the child's desire to explore the world. These are particularly active children who cannot be kept in one place. Most often this happens at the age of 2, when the child is trying to learn to walk. Of course, he can't do that right away, so he involuntarily stretches out his foot and puts it on tiptoe. This makes running much easier and faster.

The doctor will also identify the causes of irregular walking associated with the child's pathology:

How to recognize anomalies

To know for sure if you need to be concerned about your child's health, it's useful to have a general idea of the abnormalities that may be behind a balletic gait.

Muscular dystonia

When a person walks, they involuntarily use a lot of muscles. Our body controls the tension of the individual muscles via the central nervous system. The muscles do what the brain tells them to do. When dysfunction occurs, muscles may become hypertonic or overly tense. If there is uneven muscle tension, doctors speak of muscular dystonia.

This pathology can be clearly observed in newborns. You have muscle hypertonia, which manifests as cramped fingers, ankles, and an inability to passively straighten your legs the first time.

In order for the child to have a correct and beautiful gait in the future, it is important to pay attention to this anomaly now that the child is just learning to walk. For example, hypertension in infants should not appear by the age of 3 years. It is an anomaly. If left untreated, the situation can get worse and the child may develop torticollis or scoliosis. Leg deformities and club feet can also occur.

Pyramidal insufficiency

Occurs in the baby due to lack of oxygen during pregnancy. It can also be caused by a congenital tumor. As a result, the entire nervous system and especially the leg muscles are damaged.

Pyramidal Insufficiency Symptoms:

• Acute, repeated tossing of head back;
• trembling of the chin;
• Poor control of finger movements, the child is unable to grasp objects.

When should you see your doctor?

If you're concerned, there's nothing wrong with talking to your doctor.

However, you should make an appointment as soon as possible in the following cases:

• if your child walks on their toes most of the time;
• You can feel with your fingers that your child's lower leg muscles are stiff;
• your child is uncoordinated;
• Your child keeps tripping;
• Your child is showing signs of delayed motor skills;
• Your child is unable to put their weight on their leg;
• Your child has lost motor skills they already have.

The doctor will check your child for cerebral palsy and other serious causes of unsteadiness. He may also recommend a visit to a speech therapist, as delayed speech development often accompanies this type of walking.

Treatment

The effectiveness of therapy depends on a number of factors.

Based on these factors, a corrective plan can be created.

Such a plan is based on the answers to the questions:

• What is the reason?
• Does the child's heel ever touch the ground, does the child tend to always walk on their toes?
• How stiff are the child's calf muscles and are the muscles of the foot and ankle affected?

3 When should a doctor be consulted?

There are several points that can help parents decide when to take their child to the doctor. An appointment should be made when:

1. Your child tiptoes most of the time;
2. You can feel with your fingers that your child has stiff lower leg muscles;
3. your child is uncoordinated and stumbles constantly;
4. your son or daughter shows signs of delayed motor function;
5. Your doctor will help you understand the problem by examining your child for cerebral palsy and other serious problems.

In addition, the specialist may recommend a visit to a speech therapist, as delayed speech development is often associated with wobbling. Not everyone is aware of this.

4 treatment

Treatment varies from case to case. Treatment depends on the cause of the problem. If it is muscular dystonia, the doctor will recommend more physical activity.

• walking on all fours;
• walk barefoot;
• walking on a soft surface;
• goose step
• walking in a half pony;
• Jump
• heel walk; walking on the outside and inside of the foot;
• Different types of crawling and climbing.

The most important question adults should ask themselves when trying to help their child cope with toe walking is 'What is the cause?'. Active or inactive measures can only be taken once the cause has been identified. Depending on the cause of the problem, other treatments may be prescribed:

• Physical therapy;
• paraffin pads (note that this treatment is contraindicated in diabetes and certain heart diseases);
• wearing orthopedic shoes;
• electrophoresis.

In some cases, relaxing herbal baths with chamomile, lavender or succulents can also be helpful. It is important not to self-medicate, but to consult a specialist who will prescribe a specific therapy for you.

What should you do if your doctor insists on drug therapy?

Well, you probably don't expect us to give you an unequivocal answer right now - 'no way!', or vice versa - 'don't hesitate to take what is prescribed - the doctor knows'. – That is not an option!

In many European countries, doctors do not understand the problem of weight gain at all (we only look at this specific symptom! Everything else is fine with the child). 'This is how they get to know the world to test their skills'.

dr Incidentally, EO Komarovsky, who is often viewed controversially by his colleagues, tends to adopt a more Western position:

'The best thing you can do for your child is find a doctor you trust and follow their recommendations. Do you have any doubts? Consult a few other doctors and the HMO system now allows you to do the same.'

'All children are like children, but ours is a ballerina...'.

At first, the careful, feline way of moving is a source of family jokes and even inspires a hidden parental pride – 'our child is special'. But then fear and concern arise – is everything alright and is the baby okay?

The unconventional way in which a baby takes its first steps should alarm parents.

Below we look at all the possible reasons why an infant tiptoes. In the meantime, you should ask yourself a few questions.

• Is the 'balletic' gait the only thing that worries you about your child's behavior, or are there several other symptoms that you have previously dismissed as unimportant?
• Is it always like this or only under certain circumstances and under which?
• Are his legs naturally tight (especially around the feet and ankles) or do you feel like they're straining unnecessarily?
• How did your pregnancy and birth go in detail?
• Have you had oxygen deficiency syndrome?

The cost of certain issues during pregnancy and childbirth can negatively impact your baby's gait.

Your local pediatrician will probably ask you these or similar questions. Definitely worth asking him or her. If everything is fine with the baby, you will get rid of unnecessary anxiety. If your child has any health problems, it is better to treat them as quickly and efficiently as possible.

If you have a child and are planning a road trip, you cannot do without a car seat. Your child travels comfortably and safely in a car seat.

Reasons why your child could choose such an extravagant way of traveling

To be completely objective, we'll cover all the possible reasons and causes why your child might roll over - from the most serious (ala, nothing bad can happen to our little one!) to the small and funny.

Infantile cerebral palsy – is a serious disease caused by abnormal development of the brain. It occurs as a result of abnormal pregnancy and childbirth. While tiptoeing is one of the symptoms, it is not the only one. This diagnosis can only be made by a doctor!

It cannot be ruled out that a child with cerebral palsy will develop an abnormal gait.

A lengthy diagnosis can be a reason for tiptoeing.

The benefits of a walker are undeniable, but they must be used properly.

The idealized image of a ballerina can work to the detriment of the child.

What diseases can be a sign?

Serious abnormalities have many symptoms. If the toddler is not walking properly, you should observe his behavior and condition, not just sometimes, but regularly. Capture and remember worrying moments. Tell the doctor about it during the visit.

Tiptoeing is on the list of warning signs for the following disorders:

• Autism. An autistic child tiptoes or heels 45 times a day.
• Underdevelopment or congenital anomaly of the calf muscles. Treatment would require medication and surgery.
• CEREBRAL PALSY. Severe stages are diagnosed soon after birth. An infant with this disorder is severely delayed in development. Mild forms of polio can be recognized by other accompanying symptoms: hearing and vision disorders, frequent seizures.

If you notice multiple signs of abnormal development in your child, see your doctor. Don't hide your worries from the pediatrician during the monthly check-ups. Early detection of diseases is a guarantee of your child's recovery.

Are massages necessary?

It is possible and even necessary to massage a newborn, an infant and a child who is already walking. It is important for preventing clubfoot and correcting gait. If your child has no discomfort walking on tiptoe, you can do the exercises yourself at home.

With treatment recommended by a neurologist, it is better to visit a specialist or get treatment in an outpatient clinic.

Massage yourself at home according to the following recommendations:

• Gently stroke your child's foot, leg and thigh from top to bottom.
• Rub your toes in a circular motion.
• Stroke your knees.
• Massage your ankle.
• Draw the number eight on the foot and lightly tickle it.

Perform the therapeutic massage gently so that the child does not feel pain, fear or discomfort. Do not forcefully wiggle your feet, twist your ankle or ankle, or flex your foot to its maximum position. Take precautions to treat gait disorders without additional injuries.

A word of warning!!! If you do not know how to massage infants with dysplasia and hypertension, watch the actions of the specialist. Pay attention to the instructions of the massage therapist. Apply what you have learned at home after the treatment.

Acupuncture is another treatment option for muscle hypertonia. It is indicated in children with cerebral palsy. Acupuncture, as it is popularly known, is accompanied by a low-voltage current. Acupuncture is an officially approved treatment, but it is very specific. It can only be used with children over the age of seven.

Unusual walking invented by Finnish skiers

Nordic walking was born about 85 years ago.. It was then that Finnish skiers started to practice Nordic walking and only used Nordic walking poles for training in warm weather. Most skiers found it to be much more effective than walking or even jogging.

But do not think that in the USSR no one knew this way of walking: even our skiers trained with poles in the warmer months. It is believed that, for example, already. In the late 1980s, for example, Nordic walking was already widespread, especially in the Scandinavian countries.

It is now practiced all over the world. Statistics show that almost one in five Europeans walks with poles, and scientists are eagerly researching the health benefits of Nordic Walking

In many rehabilitation centers, spas and wellness clinics, Nordic walking is on the list of treatments offered, and athletes practice it regularly to keep in top shape.

In Russia, Nordic walking gained momentum in the early 2000s, and in 2010 the first professional Nordic walking school in Russia was opened. In 2010 the first professional Nordic walking school was opened in Russia. Today, people no longer run in groups to face each other's smiles, but proudly go to work, too.

Photo: beginogi.ru

Walk or run - that is the question

Many young people dismiss Nordic walking as a sport for pensioners and believe that running is many times healthier.

This is not a criticism of running, but there are many contraindications and nuances. If you don't use the right running technique, you risk strained tendons, back and neck pain and 'worn out' joints. Obese people should not jog at all, although most often they are sent by trainers to jog in order to lose weight quickly.

Walking, on the other hand, is a natural movement that transports the body through space without harming it. For example, when running, the foot is in the air for a while and then hits the ground with force. When walking, the foot rolls smoothly from heel to toe. When running, the knees and spine are under constant strain; in overweight people, the load is many times higher. The joints wear out quickly from the jolts of running: the vertebrae rub against each other, which causes back, neck and lumbar pain.

Older people and people with heart problems should avoid running altogether. In short: running is a sport for fit, healthy and strong people who have mastered the right technique and follow all the trainers' recommendations. It must be admitted that such people are few.

Nordic walking, on the other hand, is suitable for everyone and there is no risk of injury or joint damage.

Even people with disc disease or curvature of the spine can and should learn to walk with poles.

How you can support your child in learning to walk

Proper development of the child, daily dynamic exercises, massage and drills will help the child acquire new skills, such as walking.

Crawling actively develops the brain, coordination and strengthens muscles, preparing them for the demanding task of walking. The more your child crawls, the stronger their muscular framework will become.

Exercises to get your baby moving

Regularly do simple exercises with your baby to help them crawl.

Sit your baby on a fitness ball or large ball with her back to you. Rock her back and forth, left and right, while holding her hips. This exercise develops coordination and the vestibular system - skills that are important for running.

When your baby is 9-10 months old and already actively crawling, you can introduce standing exercises. To do this, place a colorful toy or favorite rattle on a chair to get your baby's attention. There the child will try to stand up to reach for the desired item. Secure the chair to prevent it from tipping over.

As soon as the child is able to stand firmly on the support, take the first step. Again, take a favorite toy and hold it in front of the child at such a distance that he has to move away from the support to grab it.

Children love to explore their surroundings, take them on a journey around the house. Put interesting toys and books at eye level and show them how to move from pillar to pillar. Always stay close and support your child.

• Causes of tiptoe walking in babies.
• Tiptoe walking.
• Tiptoe as an adult.
• Why girls tiptoe.
• A person walks on tiptoe.
• Why people tiptoe.
• Toe movement in children.
• The child walks on its toes.