The child stands on his toes: causes, norms and deviations, advice from pediatricians

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

The first year is an important time in every baby's life. During this period, the baby masters many skills, one of which is walking. When a small child has the first prerequisites for walking, parents begin to worry about every movement of a small person. Anything can cause anxiety. Of particular concern may be the question of why the baby suddenly stands on his toes, and not on the entire foot completely.

But does this phenomenon always indicate the presence of problems with the he alth of the baby, and do parents need to sound the alarm and start running around the doctors in search of a competent specialist? Why does the child stand up on his toes?

When walking on toes is the norm

As a rule, with normal development, the baby begins to master the skill of walking in the period from 10 months to one year. At this time, the baby is empirically looking for different options for moving on its tiny legs. One of these is tiptoeing (on tiptoes).

It is necessary to list the conditions under which walking on toes should not disturb parents:

• baby stands on tiptoe trying to reach something;
• child imitates animal movements, dancing;
• a small child stands up on his toes to avoid getting into the mud;
• the baby is overly active and tries to throw out energy by walking on toes;
• toeing can signal that the baby is uncomfortable (cold, hungry, or maybe feeling shy).

In addition, the use of walkers very often leads to the appearance of this phenomenon.

Also, tiptoeing may be a new way of getting around that a child is learning. This will not be a deviation if moving on toes is not the main type of movement for the crumbs.

American doctors believe that up to three years, such a phenomenon as walking on tiptoe should not disturb the baby's parents, because until that time the muscles of the child's legs develop unevenly.

From the point of view of anatomy, the phenomenon of walking on tiptoes is quite understandable. In babies, even those who have not mastered this skill, the calf muscle is very well developed. It is the tone in this muscle that encourages a small child to rise on tiptoe while trying to walk.

Reasons

Not always tiptoeing is a harmless phenomenon. In some cases, it may signal the presence of a serious illness and require medical attention. So, for example, it could be talking about:

• children's cerebralparalysis;
• muscular dystonia;
• pyramidal insufficiency.

In the presence of the above diseases, walking on toes is far from a defining symptom. Frequent tiptoeing can signal an increase in intracranial pressure. According to pediatricians, this is an effective way to get rid of pain.

Consequences

In most cases, walking on toes does not indicate the presence of any disease. However, even such a harmless phenomenon is fraught with consequences. If you do not turn to a specialist in time to correct the baby's gait, the result of tiptoeing can be:

• violation of posture, in particular scoliosis;
• spastic torticollis;
• foot deformity, in particular clubfoot;
• violation in the development of motor skills of the baby.

It is important for parents to take timely action and prevent unpleasant consequences.

How can I help my child?

First of all, you need to contact a medical institution for advice from a qualified pediatrician. Only a doctor will be able to assess the situation and answer the parents why the child stands on his toes. The most effective ways to correct the situation are massage and swimming in the pool. Many mothers note that after a week's course, significant changes in the baby's gait are noticeable.

There are other ways to deal withtoe walking:

• physiotherapy;
• electrophoresis;
• paraffin boots;
• exercise.

Medication may be needed in some cases.

Where should I go?

If a 6 month old baby gets up on his toes, a number of measures need to be taken. First of all, you should visit a pediatrician. Only a qualified specialist can give the necessary recommendations, taking into account the peculiarities of the child's gait and the distinctive features of the baby.

Going to a massage therapist without a doctor's recommendation is fraught with serious consequences and can only aggravate the situation.

A little about massage

It is strongly not recommended to perform massage on your own, without special skills and knowledge. It is worth giving preference to certified massage therapists with rich experience and good reviews.

At home, it is allowed to perform exercises that can not only have a positive effect on the gait of a little man, but also strengthen the child's body as a whole.

Mom should:

• draw "eights" on the child's small foot (5-6 on each);
• exercise stroking children's legs from fingertips to hips;
• shake baby's legs;
• massage each toe.

An exercise in which the mother moves the baby's feet first away from herself and then towards herself will have a positive effect.

Prevention of this phenomenon

Many pediatricians urge parents to stop using walkers. In addition, many activities are useful:

• outdoor games;
• crawling on all fours, getting up from this position;
• walking on an uneven surface or an inclined plane;
• alternately walk first on the outside of the foot, and then on the inside;
• duck walking and more

The above preventive measures are applicable for older children who have already mastered the skill of walking. For babies under one year old, visiting the pool, performing the simplest exercises described in the previous paragraph will be excellent preventive methods.

Besides this, frequent walking barefoot after the child turns one year will help to avoid problems and help correct gait. A child gets up on his toes for various reasons. Parents are advised to purchase shoes for their baby that will securely fix the foot.

Conclusion

Many parents start to worry after they notice that their child is standing on his toes, and not stepping on the whole foot. The concern of newly minted moms and dads is understandable. This phenomenon, in rare cases, may be a symptom of serious illness and require medical attention.

Massage, physiotherapy, exercise therapy, paraffin boots will help fix the baby's gait. One of the most effective ways is exercising in the pool. It is important to take preventive measures in a timely manner. One of these measuresis the refusal to use baby walkers. Useful walking on bare feet, as well as outdoor games and massage. Parents can perform some massage elements themselves at home.

In addition, parents should remember that the phenomenon of walking on tiptoes has its consequences. For example, a small child may develop scoliosis. That is why newly minted moms and dads just need to go to a medical facility. Only a qualified specialist will be able to assess the situation and give the necessary recommendations.