Habitual Toe-walking in children - Children's Health Message Board

cathyb · 08-21-2002, 07:24 PM

My 10 year old son is a habitual toe walker. He can walk on his feet when concentrating on it, but when not, he's back on his toes. He does not have CP. 3 years ago he wore casts for 6 weeks - no success. His doctor has now suggested Botox shots, then casts for 2 weeks, then braces for 6 months. I would like to hear from other parents who have children with this problem and your experiences with Botox, casts and braces. I am unsure about the Botox shots - any experiences you can share would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!!

steph2626 · 08-22-2002, 09:25 AM

hello--my daughter is almost 8 and she does the same thing. i have to constantly remind her to walk flat and i have never understood why she does this and have been curious. what is the ds or dn or whatever it was u said?? and is this something i need to worry about?? thank you!!

steph2626 · 08-22-2002, 09:26 AM

ok sorry cp lol!!

cathyb · 08-22-2002, 03:47 PM

Some of the causes of toe walking, according to the doctors we have seen, are Cerebral Palsy, Tight Heel Cords and Habitual Toe walking. Habitual toe walkers have no physical cause, they just persist in walking on their tiptoes. They can stand flat when you ask. Sometimes the problem resolves by itself. My concern is that my son's heel cords could become tight if he doesn't walk normally. The doctor said if we do nothing now the problem will become less noticeable as he becomes an adult. I would like to avoid the casts again - I just want to know that I am doing what's right for my child. The problem is not stopping him from normal activities but it does affect his balance during times when he needs to stand still.

acbuchan · 08-23-2002, 09:48 AM

Hi my son is a toe walker, he is only 2.5 yrs old, but I can almost guarentee that he will still be doing it at 10! He is autistic, and although your son is not autistic (I assume), he may do it for the same reason as mine, and that is simply because it alters the perspective on the world, they simply enjoy the different feeling that it gives. I am not really concerned about my son toe walking, so long as it doesnt damage his muscles, I view it as "each to thier own", there is so much in life that we have to do no matter whether we want to or not, so its nice to have an escape, something that may relieve stress, or anxiety? or what ever each child does it for. Good luck with your child, if you find a way around it I will certainly be interested in know (if my little one is still doing it when he about 15 I think Ill really be panicking then!!!

Take care Cindy