Walking on tip toes at 2.5 years old and....

lor3522

Okay, so daughter is 2.5 and has been toe walking for a while now. Dr is not concerned at all. I can't help worrying though that something isn't right. There has been a few instances where she will freak out about certain things. The most recent thing is that she is deathly afraid of bugs. Yesterday she was outside and started screaming about spiders on her feet. She's literally flipping out! Pulling at her toes, hitting her feet and acting absolutely crazy! To make things worse she kept "feeling spiders" on her feet all night off and on and would have the same reaction. We were at a hockey game and she had 3 episodes where she literally lost control. Anybody heard of something like this before? I wonder if she has some kind of weird sensitivity in her feet or if it's something bigger. She is otherwise a very smart, very coordinated, very social little girl. I will be calling Dr. but I know dr. Is going to say no big deal. I don't know, maybe it is nbd? Anyone have any experience with anything like this?

missyishere

I wouldn't have any concerns about tip toes yet.  My gf's daughter did this until around 4 before they started telling her to ensure her DD walks on her soles.  The rest of the stuff sounds like very normal toddler reactions, just from the information you posted.

lor3522

Thanks missy. I sure hope you're right. I can't quit thinking about it but I'm probably over reacting. My boys (older) never had any of this drama/craziness/behavior as toddlers so it seems very unusual to me.

missyishere

The reason, if I remember correctly, my friend was told to try having her DD walk flat footed is because the Achilles's tendon can tighten. 

Salemkitty13

Could she be experiencing restless legs or growing pains? I had both as a kid they can be very uncomfortable.

 I also would toe walk. I use to play I was a ballerina. It became a bit of a habit and I still do it some (toe walk not pretend to be a ballerina).

I would mention it to the Dr. But I wouldn't worry about it. 

credcat7

I also thought of pins and needles when I read your post like when she says spiders does she mean her feet are asleep. .. my niece referred to it as her feet were sparkling. ...

lor3522

credcat7 said:

I also thought of pins and needles when I read your post like when she says spiders does she mean her feet are asleep. .. my niece referred to it as her feet were sparkling. ...</
I thought of this as well. Maybe that's it. I wonder if pins and needles is ommon during growth spirts or something. After yesterday with no outbursts about it, she wakes up this morning and it starts all over. Sigh.

lor3522

Oops. I guess I can't quote very well.

outnumbered

I would not dismiss toe walking.  It can be indicative of non neuro-typical development.  If your pediatrician down plays your concerns I would look for a new pedi and schedule a evaluation through early intervention.  You do not need the pediatricians permission to have your child evaluated for delays and it sounds like you have legitimate concerns.

ETA:  EI ends at 3, but if your child qualifies they can help you with obtaining services when she ages out.

LC122

-auntie- said:

TyrannosaurusLex said:

By 2.5 toe walking is a developmental concern - it could well be nothing, just a preference, but by that age it should be evaluated by a knowledgeable professional. I would get a second opinion.

This. Toe walking is a red flag for neurological differences. It might be nothing, especially since she's so young. But it's a red flag for ASD and sensory issues aside from the physical and gross motor complications it can cause. 

Sometimes people toe walk because it causes a significant joint compression in the large knuckles of the feet which can be calming to those with sensory issues. Sort of like weighted vests or Temple Grandon's squeeze machine.

Agree with the above about getting it checked out, even "just to be sure."

I worked with a Pediatric Neurologist and toe walking was one of the things she looked for. There is more to it, but you should look into getting an evaluation.

LaurelBee

My nephew toe walked until 4 when he had to get fitted for special boots to help relax the tendons in his feet. I agree that you should see a specialist now instead of later.