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Tow Walking

Toe walking, otherwise known as Idiopathetic Toe Walking (ITW) is when a child walks on the toes or ball of the foot without the heel or other parts of the foot coming in contact with the floor. Sometimes there is an underlying condition that can cause a child to walk on the toes, but other times there is not.

How Can Children’s Orthotics Help?

At Children’s Orthotics, our team of experienced paediatric orthotists assess the severity of your child's toe walking and identify the most effective interventions that will help with the management of the condition. Commonly used devices for toe walking are hinged ankle-foot orthoses, as they allow movement of the foot up (dorsiflexion) but prevent the foot from pointing down (plantarflexion)

What Types of Orthotics Might Be Effective?

Children’s Orthotics provide a variety of orthotics to help with difficulties caused by Idiopathetic Toe Walking, depending on the outcome of the orthotist assessment. Common devices prescribed include:

  • Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFOs) to help encourage a flat foot with walking. The AFO is a custom brace used during the daytime to help stretch and encourage a flat foot position. If worn at night, the AFO can help stretch the tight muscles while a child is sleeping.
  • Rigid footplates can also be placed in the shoes to prevent the toes from bending, making it much harder to toe walk
  • Foot Orthoses (FOs) can be used in conjunction with footplates if the arch of the foot is collapsing

What Might The Assessment Procedure Involve

In the first instance, an appointment would be made with an orthotist in which a full initial assessment would be conducted. Your orthotist will ask you questions about your child’s daily activities and medical history. The paediatric orthotist will undertake a gait examination and watch them walk, paying attention to movements at their affected joints and making observations of how their body moves. Following this, your child’s treatment options and goals will be discussed and a prescription made. Any devices that are required will be fabricated using materials chosen specifically to meet their requirements and then a fitting session arranged. All of our prescriptions and fittings are followed by a review to ensure that the treatment is effective and any adjustments can be made.

To get in touch or arrange an appointment, you can call us at 0330 088 3949 or email office@orthotics.co.uk.

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