The first year is an important time in the life of every baby. During this period, the baby learns many skills, one of which is walking. When a young child has the first prerequisites for walking, parents begin to worry about each movement of a small person. Anything can cause an alarm. Particular excitement may raise the question of why the baby suddenly stands on his toes, and not on his entire foot.
But does this phenomenon always signal the presence of problems with the baby’s health, and do parents need to sound the alarm and start running around the doctors in search of a competent specialist? Why does the baby stand 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 empirically seeks different options for moving on its tiny legs. One of these is moving on tiptoe (on toes).
It is necessary to list the conditions under which walking on toes should not disturb parents:
- the baby stands on tiptoe, trying to reach an object;
- the child imitates the movements of animals, dances;
- a small child stands on his toes to avoid getting into the dirt;
- the baby is overly active and tries to throw out energy by walking on toes;
- tiptoeing may indicate that the child is uncomfortable (he is cold, hungry, or perhaps hesitating).
In addition, the use of walkers very often leads to the appearance of this phenomenon.
In addition, tiptoeing can be a new way of moving that a child learns. This will not be a deviation if moving on toes is not the main mode of movement of the crumbs.
American doctors believe that until three years old, such a thing as walking on tiptoe should not disturb the baby's parents, since until that time the child’s leg muscles develop unevenly.
From the point of view of anatomy, the phenomenon of walking on toes is understandable. In children, even those who did not master this skill, the calf muscle is very well developed. It is the tone in this muscle that prompts the young child while trying to walk to tiptoe.
Causes
Far from always tiptoeing is a harmless phenomenon. In some cases, it may signal a serious illness and may require medical attention. So, for example, it can talk about:
- cerebral palsy;
- muscle dystonia;
- pyramidal insufficiency.
In the presence of the above diseases, walking on toes is far from a defining symptom. Frequent tiptoeing may signal an increase in intracranial pressure. According to pediatricians, this is an effective way to get rid of pain.
Effects
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 consult a specialist in time to correct the baby’s gait, tiptoeing may result in:
- violation of posture, in particular scoliosis;
- spasmodic torticollis;
- deformation of the foot, in particular, clubfoot;
- violation in the development of motor skills of the baby.
It is important for parents to take measures in time and prevent the occurrence of unpleasant consequences.
How to help a 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 to parents why the child stands on his toes. The most effective ways to remedy the situation are massage and swimming in the pool. Many mothers note that after a weekly course significant changes in the baby’s gait are noticeable.
There are other ways to combat walking on toes:
- physiotherapy;
- electrophoresis;
- paraffin boots;
- Exercise therapy.
In some cases, medication may be needed.
Where to go?
If a baby of 6 months gets up on its toes, a number of measures should be taken. First of all, you should visit a pediatrician. Only a qualified specialist can give the necessary recommendations, taking into account the characteristics of the children's walk and the distinctive features of the baby.
Turning to a massage therapist without the advice of a doctor is fraught with serious consequences and can only aggravate the situation.
A little about massage
It is strongly not recommended to perform the massage yourself, without special skills and knowledge. Certified masseurs with rich experience and good reviews should give preference.
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 children's body as a whole.
Mom should:
- draw "eights" on the small foot of the child (5-6 on each);
- Stroking children's legs from the tips of the fingers to the hips;
- shake the baby's legs;
- massage each toe.
A positive effect will be exerted by an exercise in which the mother moves the baby's feet first from herself, and then to herself.
Prevention of the occurrence of this phenomenon
Many pediatricians urge parents not to use a walker. 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, etc.
The listed preventive measures are applicable for older children who have already mastered the walking skill. For babies up to one year old, excellent preventive methods will be to visit the pool, perform the simple exercises described in the previous paragraph.
In addition, avoiding problems and helping to correct the gait will help frequent walking barefoot after the child is one year old. A child stands on his toes for various reasons. Parents are advised to purchase baby shoes that will securely fix the foot.
Conclusion
Many parents begin to worry after they notice that their child stands on his toes, and does not step on his whole foot. The concern of newly moms and dads is understandable. This phenomenon in rare cases can be a symptom of serious illness and require medical intervention.
Massage, physiotherapy, physiotherapy exercises, paraffin boots will help correct the baby's gait. One of the most effective ways is to practice in the pool. It is important to take preventative measures in a timely manner. One of these measures is the rejection of the use of baby walkers. Useful barefoot walks, as well as outdoor games and massages. Parents can perform some massage elements on their own at home.
In addition, parents should remember that such a thing as walking on toes has its consequences. So, for example, a small child may develop scoliosis. That is why newly 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.