Exercises to fix Tip Toe / Toe Walking in kids | Easy 4 Step Rehab Plan скачать в хорошем качестве

Exercises to fix Tip Toe / Toe Walking in kids | Easy 4 Step Rehab Plan

ARE YOUR KIDS MOVE WITH A TIPTOE GAIT? Are they walking on the balls of their feet? With heels up in the air, not touching the ground? Don't worry, you're not alone. Toe walking is quite common, especially in young children. In this video, I’ll give you a briefing on the what, why, how, when and who as well as my rehab exercises so you can take action today to help combat your child’s tiptoeing What is Toe Walking? Toe walking is simply walking on the balls of the feet, with the heels not touching the ground. It's a normal developmental phase for many toddlers, but it usually resolves by the age of three. Why Do Children Toe Walk? There are a few reasons why children might toe walk: Habit: It could simply be a habit they've developed. Sensory Seeking: Some children enjoy the feeling of walking on their toes. Tight Calf Muscles: Tightness in the calf muscles can make it difficult to put the heel down. Underlying Medical Conditions: In some cases, toe walking can be a sign of an underlying condition like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy. When to Be Concerned If your child is older than three and continues to toe walk, or if they have any other symptoms like pain, clumsiness, or developmental delays, it's important to consult a healthcare professional. A podiatrist can assess your child's walking pattern, rule out any underlying issues, and recommend treatment options if needed. Treatment Options Treatment for toe walking depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, simple exercises and stretches can help improve flexibility and encourage flat-footed walking. In other cases, orthotics or casting may be recommended. Ok folks, time to take action! Now that you’ve contacted your friendly Podiatrist for an assessment, its time to get your child started with improving their leg foundations and reducing tiptoe! Let’s go! Exercise 1: Calf raises Have your child standing with their heels hanging off a step. With the support of your hand or a handrail, instruct your child to slowly drop their heels off the step and to hold that position for 5 seconds - to work on calf mobility and then have your child return to their starting position. Repeat this for 10 times Exercise 2: Hill Walking Take your child on walks up hills and slopes as this will help calf range of motion and mobility. The importance is vital to the functional strength of your child’s calf muscle. Exercise 3: Calf Stretches Tight calf muscles can contribute to toe walking. Gently stretch your child's calf muscles by having them stand facing a wall, placing their hands on the wall, and leaning forward while keeping their heels on the ground. Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds, and repeat a few times. Exercise 4: Calf Massages Remember! Your child has been walking on their tiptoes for so long so their little calf muscles will be restricted and tight! If your child is ticklish - all good! Make it fun with a wrestling session! Apply some moisturiser to your child’s calf muscle and gently with mild pressure massage their calves - working down and up their legs. Repeat the down up movement for a total of 20 times per leg. Tips for Encouraging Flat-Footed Walking: Positive Reinforcement: Praise your child whenever they walk flat-footed. Positive reinforcement can go a long way in motivating them to make the change. Make it Fun: Turn exercises into games or activities. For example, create an obstacle course that encourages heel-to-toe walking. Sensory Input: Some children respond well to sensory input. Try having them walk barefoot on different textures like grass, sand, or textured mats. Consult a Podiatrist: If your child continues to toe walk despite your efforts, consult a podiatrist. They can assess the situation and recommend personalized treatment options like orthotics or physical therapy. Remember, patience and consistency are key when helping your child stop toe walking. Celebrate every small victory and make it a fun learning experience for both of you.