Comments on: What We Can Learn From an 11 year old

By: HeatherO

HeatherO — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 06:00:30 +0000

thanks for posting Sherry, I'm not sure that boots won't be uncomfortable too. The reason the exercises, etc 'hurt' is because the tendon is shortened. It can be stretched, like a muscle, but just as when you or I stretch muscles, it's uncomfortable. One of the things suggested to us (which would work if he had ANY interest in correcting it which he doesn't!), is to keep a 2×4 or two around. When he's watching tv or on the phone or whatever, he can stand with the balls of his feet on it and lower his heels to the floor. It's just enough to stretch little by little. If it's that important to him, he will do it.
Funny thing is, someone mentioned to me just today that we should get Sam into football since he runs so fast BECAUSE of the toe-walking! This is a great time to learn that if he really wants to do something, he can! Just takes consistent persistence.

By: Sherry

Sherry — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 01:00:55 +0000

My son is 11 years old and is a toe-walker. I've been online looking for some wide-sized lace-up cowboy boots for my him. I read a while back about a 24 year old man who had recently stopped toe-walking. He replied that his calf muscles hurt at first, but that it was too hard to toe-walk in those boots, so he stopped. I don't really know if that works or not, but my son wants to try it. He started playing football this season, for the first time ever, and the exercises really hurt his feet and calves. Also, it was hard for him to run in those cleats. He wants to play again next season, so he wants to work on stopping the toe-walking. He refuses to do the exercises the doctor told him to do (he says they hurt too bad). He wasn't born prematurely, by the way, and his little sister is 2 1/2 and a toe-walker. He fusses at her to stop, because he doesn't want her to have the habit. He is a sweet and very intelligent boy. There is nothing wrong with him or his sister. They are both very active and very bright. He doesn't seem to be bothered by what people say about the toe-walking. He just doesn't want to be slowed down in sports.

By: Sue Scheff: Kids who walk on their toes « Parents’ Universal Resource Experts and Sue Scheff

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:34:57 +0000

[...] O as we all affectionately refer to her through her Good Soup website, recently wrote about her 11 year-old son that walked on his toes. Although it was a source of debate; was it healthy, is he o-kay, is he [...]

By: HeatherO s Good Soup of Info, Stories and More to Feed Your Mind, Your Spirit, and Your Business » Top 5 Good Soup Posts of 2009

Sat, 02 Jan 2010 22:16:37 +0000

[...] #1 What We Can Learn From an 11 yr old [...]

By: HeatherO

HeatherO — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 06:40:34 +0000

Thanks for your perspective Sean! Yes, better late than never :) I'm sure you are probably a lot less weird than many flat-footed people! My son wants to be a chef or baker, by the way!

By: HeatherO

HeatherO — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 06:32:48 +0000

Thanks RenaeB! I have to admit, your comment gave me chills. Last year I realized that I am 'supposed to write a book'. I knew the general topic and even the what the title might be. I didn't tell many people as I still had no idea what I would write exactly. In the past few months people started asking me “when are you going to write that book?” It's become almost eerie! In fact, just 2 days ago the FlyLady asked me the same thing….the book is about “having the confidence to create your own story!” :)

By: Sean Swain

Sean Swain — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 03:48:41 +0000

Kudos to you for finally finding acceptance with something your son finds very 'normal'. I am almost 30 and have been a “toe-walker” the whole time. I loved walking on my toes, it was so much fun. I think your son is pretty amazing to be that confident in himself. My one piece of information for you and him is as he gets older be conscious of his posture. Recently I went to a chiropractor and physical therapist for carpal tunnel and it was the only time someone ever express concern about how I walked. But, because of my posture and am a chef and so stand on my feet all day it was worth looking into and standing now more on my heels helps my body not hurt anymore. Thanks though for writing, because I never knew it was normal, 30 years later is better than still thinking I was weird

By: HeatherO

HeatherO — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 01:40:34 +0000

Thanks for your perspective Sean! Yes, better late than never :) I'm sure you are probably a lot less weird than many flat-footed people! My son wants to be a chef or baker, by the way!

By: HeatherO

HeatherO — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 01:32:48 +0000

By: Sean Swain

Sean Swain — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 22:48:41 +0000