Is walking on tiptoes normal?
Absolutely. And it will be approximately until 2 years of age. Almost all children go through the phase of walking on tiptoes. In some cases, walking on tiptoes is a symptom of some fairly dangerous neurological diseases. It is necessary to pay attention to other accompanying signs and symptoms. For example, walking on toes, accompanied by muscular tension and lack of coordination could be an indication of cerebral palsy. Walking on toes and rhythmic shakings of hands may be manifestations of autism and other developmental disorders. But normally, many kids do it deliberately - in an attempt to be like adults and to attract attention. In an isolated form, this symptom is temporary in most cases. In the case that after 2 years the child still doesn’t put his foot fully on the floor, it’s better to consult a doctor, because it can be one of the signs of uneven distribution of muscle tone – in some muscle groups it is increased, while in others, on the contrary, it’s reduced.
Most children stand on tiptoes because of large tension of the back muscles in the area of the shoulder girdle.
Uneven muscle tension is dangerous, as it can subsequently lead to the formation of poor posture (including scoliosis), improper gait, and clubfoot. If you take the necessary measures in time, there will be no serious consequences.
First of all it is necessary to choose a treatment which will normalize the muscle tone and the coordination of movements. Gymnastics and special massage will be an indispensable aid here.
Very often, after several visits to the masseur the results are already visible. It would also be very good if the parents themselves exercised at home.
While sitting on a chair, put the entire foot on the floor and move the tiptoes to the rhythm of music. Then move the tiptoes of the other foot. Then move them one by one.
Play different games that would involve feet. For example, you toss a ball up, and the child beats it off to you with one foot, then the other. Tossing a ball with the toes of one foot, then the other... Games where walking on toes alternates with walking on heels, rolling from the toes to the heel, etc …. Invent all sorts of ploys on the subject.
For children under one year: exercises with a Fitness Ball are very effective from the age of 5-6 months. Size should be from 50 to 75 cm, depending on the size of the child. It is better for a child specialist to show you the exercises, as a correct result depends on the correctness of performance.
Children receiving prophylactic sessions of massage and gymnastics approach the walking stage as already prepared and trained. Their musculoskeletal system is ready for the transition from horizontal position to vertical. The muscles and joints are ready for the depreciation of the body’s weight. They easily keep balance and coordinate movements.
Better to prevent a disease, than to deal with it later!
Better to prevent a disease, than to deal with it later!