Every parent hopes for their child to thrive in robust health and strength as they grow, but sometimes, kids need a little extra help to reach their full potential. That’s where pediatric physiotherapy comes in! Pediatric physiotherapy in Grande Prairie focuses on improving the physical development and well-being of children, from infants to teens. Whether your child is dealing with a congenital condition or simply needs support to improve their mobility and strength, pediatric physiotherapy can make a world of difference.
What is Toe Walking?
Toe walking is when kids walk on the balls of their feet without letting their heels touch the ground. It’s pretty common in toddlers who are just learning to walk, and usually, they grow out of it by age 2 or 3. But if toe walking continues past that age, it might be a sign of an underlying issue, like tight calf muscles, a short Achilles tendon, or even neurological conditions. Sometimes, it’s just a habit that’s tough to break.
Most of the time, toe walking is harmless, but it’s a good idea to keep an eye on it. If you notice your child is still toe-walking after the age of 3, or if it seems to be getting worse, it might be time to talk to a pediatric physiotherapist. They can help figure out what’s going on and recommend exercises or treatments to encourage proper walking patterns. So, if your kiddo is doing the tiptoe dance a bit too long, a quick check-up might be the next step to ensure they’re on the right path!
Physiotherapy Solutions for Your Child to Correct Toe Walking:
If your little one is still walking on the tips of their toes, physiotherapy can offer some great solutions to help correct this habit. Here are a few approaches a pediatric physiotherapist might use:
1. Stretching Exercises
Stretching exercises play a crucial role in addressing toe-walking tendencies in children. By targeting the calf muscles and Achilles tendon, these exercises enhance flexibility and help mitigate the inclination to walk on toes.
Foam Roller Massage
Foam roller massage involves your child gently rolling their calf muscles over the roller while seated on the floor with their legs extended. By lifting their hips slightly off the ground and rolling back and forth, this activity massages the muscles, reducing tightness and enhancing flexibility. It serves as a mini-massage session specifically targeting tight calf muscles, offering relief and promoting improved muscle function.
2. Strengthening Exercises for Toe Walking
Building strong muscles in the lower legs and feet is crucial for correcting toe walking. Strengthening exercises can provide the support needed for proper walking patterns and prevent future issues.
Toe Taps
Toe taps involve your child tapping their toes on the ground while keeping heels still, repeated for about 30 seconds to a minute. This exercise strengthens the tibialis anterior muscles in the lower legs, enhancing foot and ankle function. It also fosters improved coordination between foot and leg muscles, aiding in a smoother walking pattern.
3. Balance and Coordination Activities for Toe Walking
Improving balance and coordination is crucial for encouraging proper heel-to-toe walking. These activities help your child gain better control over their movements, making it easier to walk correctly.
Standing on One Foot
Have your child practice standing on one foot, gradually increasing duration and turning it into a game by timing their balance. This activity improves balance, strengthens leg and foot muscles, and enhances proprioception. Enhancing balance can significantly impact walking patterns.
4. Heel Cord Lengthening
Toe walking can be caused by a short Achilles tendon, which restricts the range of motion in the ankle and makes it difficult for the heel to touch the ground. Heel cord lengthening exercises and stretches are designed to lengthen the Achilles tendon and improve flexibility in the calf muscles.
Heel Drops on a Step
Heel drops on a step involve having your child stand on the edge of a step with toes on and heels off, then lowering their heels below the step level to feel a calf stretch. Hold for 15-30 seconds and repeat for calf muscle strengthening and Achilles tendon lengthening. This exercise is highly effective for addressing a short Achilles tendon and enhancing overall ankle flexibility.
5. Play-Based Therapy
When it comes to kids, making exercises fun and engaging is key to keeping them motivated. Play-based therapy combines the benefits of physiotherapy with the fun of play, making it a great way to help correct toe walking.
Animal Walks
Animal walks involve your child mimicking different animal movements like the bear walk, crab walk, and duck walk. By engaging in these activities, they strengthen various muscle groups, improve coordination, and encourage proper heel-to-toe walking. These fun exercises not only promote physical strength and coordination but also foster creativity and enjoyment in movement.
6. Orthotics or Braces
Sometimes, a little extra support is needed to help correct infants walking on tiptoes. Orthotics and braces can provide that support, encouraging proper walking patterns and reducing the strain on muscles and tendons.
Custom-Made Shoe Inserts (Orthotics)
Custom-made shoe inserts, or orthotics, are tailored to your child’s feet, fitting inside their shoes to promote proper alignment and walking patterns. These inserts distribute weight evenly, relieving pressure on the balls of the feet and encouraging heel contact with the ground. They offer cushioning and support, easing discomfort and enhancing walking comfort.
Empowering Young Lives:
Pediatric physiotherapy in Grande Prairie offers a comprehensive approach to address a wide range of movement and developmental challenges in children. Our pediatric physiotherapists at Junction Point Physical Therapy work collaboratively with children and their families to promote mobility, improve function, and enhance overall quality of life. By empowering children to reach their full potential and fostering independence in everyday activities, pediatric physiotherapy in Grande Prairie plays a vital role in nurturing healthy development and ensuring a brighter future for young patients.
Ready to help your child walk with confidence? Book an appointment with our pediatric physiotherapy team today!
