How do I stop my almost 8 yr old daughter from walking on her toes?

Question

My daughter is almost 8 and has been walking on her toes from the start. I thought at first that she would grow out of it but I'm afraid that it is so much of a habit now I'm not sure that she can do it on her own. I have had her in to see her pediatrician, a chiropractor and a sports physician about it. No real answers about what to do. Her tendon is a little short so it is more comfortable for her to walk on her toes, but it is not so short that anyone even suggested surgery. Wearing shoes has no effect - she still does regardless of what shoes she's wearing. I remind her constantly - but she really can't help it. My last action plan is to get her some anti-pronatory shoes(not sure I spelled that right) After that I am out of ideas. Has anyone run across a case like this and was able to resolve it. Obviously my main concern is medical issues later on in life for her.

Answer 1

Put her in point ( ballet ). If that causes her no pain than she could be learn to be amazing. I'm serious, you should ask her if she would be interested in that.

Answer 2

Every time she walks on her toes, paddle her. She'll learn quick, guaranteed.

Answer 3

From previous posts it sounds like there might be future repercussions. I would suggest talking to a behaviorist. Someone that can provide you with the step by step intervention in reinforcing the positive behavior and diminishing the negative. There are tons of tricks I just can't think of them.

With behavior interventions you can get people to usually change most problematic issues.  

Answer 4

I actually used to do this.  I grew out of doing it and hopefully, she will too.  Perhaps the shoes would be a good idea if she doesn't stop though.  Good luck!

Answer 5

enroll her in ballerina school :)

Answer 6

if she is comfortable walking that way and her doctors seem not to be worried , why stress?

Answer 7

I did this when I was little (but it was a result of watching Beauty and the Beast, the Beast walks like that haha). I didn't do it too often. Occasionally I still do it.

My best friend in grade school had to get surgery for it.

My little sister that's 9 does it all the time and we just have to keep telling her, "get off your toes!" every time. If you say it enough, and tell her that it's really going to hurt her later, then maybe she'll remember.

I think it's also an issue of being forgetful. Just keep reminding her.  

Answer 8

I worked with many children who have 'toe-walked'.  I like the idea of getting her the special shoes and reminding her to walk flat on her feet.  I would also keep her in shoes as much as possible.  You could also massage her feet with different things, like something that vibrates, so she can get used to stimulation on the rest of her foot.  Good luck.

Answer 9

I did this when I was little and did not stop until about 2nd grade. The only reason I stopped was because I got made fun of and had to force myself to walk "normally." It does become a habit and I too have a short tendon. I cannot run flat on my feet to this very day (I am 22 yrs old) The only suggestion I have is to keep reminding her not to do it when you see her and praise her when you see her not walking on her toes. I hope everything goes well!

Answer 10

I am sure it is just a little girl who likes the feel of being "up in high heels" or girlie like Mommy.

However: Toe walking can be a sign of autism. Ask your doctor about this and ask for a screening as well as a referral to a podiatrist.

Don't let them blow you off...if it is nothing all you wasted was a co-pay and some time. If it is something and you do nothing then you wasted an opportunity to help your child.

http://www.autism.org/toewalk.html

http://www.autismspeaks.org/community/fo...

http://groups.msn.com/TheAutismHomePage/...

It could also be a sensory seeking thing. You may want to ask for a referral for an o/t as well. ... but please look into it.

Answer 11

just try and make it into a game like so walking on her feet is fun maybe say ill buy u a new toy if u dont walk on ur toes for a week

it will make her determined not to  

Answer 12

I don't know, I have been doing that since I was a little girl and I am 22 now, I don't do it ALL the time, only when I am barefoot around the house, which I suppose IS all the time since I am a stay at home mom now, anyway, it hasn't had any negative effect on me at all I don't think. My back hurts a little on almost a daily basis, but not bad or anything and I don't know that I could attribute that to walking on my toes.