Ask The Doc: The girl who tiptoes

The girl who tiptoes


Question by Mrs Sally Lim

My granddaughter is almost 10 and she tiptoes when she walks. We've told her to stop doing it but it seems to be an ingrained habit. Is there a cause for concern? How can we make her walk normally again?

Reply from Dr Wendy Sinnathamby,
Consultant, University Children's Medical Institute,
National University Hospital
 
It is important that you get your granddaughter evaluated by a doctor to ensure there is no underlying medical cause for her toe-walking, such as mild cerebral palsy. If no medical reason is found for her toe-walking, the condition is called idiopathic toewalking.

In the majority of cases, idiopathic toe-walking tends to resolve during early childhood but in some cases, it can persist into later childhood.

At nine years of age, while there is a possibility her tip-toe walking may eventually resolve, it is still best to get her evaluated by an orthopaedic surgeon who might suggest a combination of exercises, casts or braces.

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The information provided above is for your general knowledge only. You should seek medical advice or treatment for your condition.

health@newstoday.com.sg

Email us if you have a medical query.
 

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From TODAY, Health – Tuesday, 05-May-2009

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