Toe Walking Treatment

Toe walking is a walking pattern where children walk on the balls of their feet without letting their heels touch the ground. It’s normal for toddlers just learning to walk, and most children grow out of it by the age of 2. When toe walking continues beyond this age, it’s rarely linked to underlying medical conditions and is more commonly idiopathic, meaning there’s no clear cause. Sometimes, older children toe walk due to habit or tightness in their calf muscles. Treatments like bracing or casting can help by gently stretching the calf muscles and encouraging a more natural walking style.

The calf is made up of two key muscles. Gastrocnemius, the larger, more prominent muscle forming the visible bulge beneath the skin, and soleus, a smaller, flat muscle located beneath the gastrocnemius. These muscles join at the base of the calf to form the Achilles tendon, which connects to the calcaneus (heel bone). When the calf muscles contract, they pull on the Achilles tendon, which in turn moves the heel.

Some children who toe walk may have a shorter calf muscle-tendon combination, either present from birth or developed over time. This can make it difficult for them to place their heels on the ground while walking. However, most children who toe walk have a muscle-tendon combination long enough to walk flat-footed when reminded.

Persistent toe walking can occasionally signal medical issues like cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spinal cord abnormalities, or neurological conditions. While children with autism toe walk more often, it’s often sensory-related and not directly linked to autism itself.

Candidates for toe walking treatment include children over age 5 with persistent toe walking that prevents them from walking with their heels down. Toe walking treatment is not just for children with apparent discomfort or challenges. Eligible candidates include:

• Children over age 2 who consistently toe walk.
• Those unable to walk flat-footed or struggling with daily activities like sports or wearing shoes.
• Kids with tight calf muscles, shortened tendons, or neurological conditions affecting gait.
• Parents concerned about how toe walking might affect their child’s mobility or function as they grow older may also seek treatment for preventive reasons.

Toe walking surgery may be necessary when physical therapy and serial casting fail to address the tight ankle. Toe walking surgery is performed to lengthen the Achilles tendon or gastrocnemius muscle to improve flexibility, enabling a flat-footed walk. The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and the duration varies according to the extent of your child’s particular case.

• Pain management will be prescribed, including ibuprofen, Tylenol, or stronger medications if necessary. Make sure to follow the doctor’s directions for administering these medications carefully.
• Nausea can be common as the anesthesia wears off and may last for up to 24 hours. Stick to clear liquids and easily digestible foods during this time and avoid greasy or heavy meals. If vomiting occurs, wait 30 to 60 minutes before trying any food or liquids again.
• For the first 48 hours, keep the leg elevated with pillows to reduce swelling, and encourage your child to wiggle their toes to help with circulation.
• Once the cast is removed, your child will wear a boot for two weeks and begin partial weight bearing (PWB).

• Full recovery typically takes 3 to 6 months, depending on your child’s specific condition.
• After the tendon lengthening procedure, the doctor will place short leg walking casts on your child’s legs while they are asleep to help ensure proper alignment and healing. These casts are usually worn for 4 to 6 weeks, providing gentle support as the muscles and tendons adjust to their new length.
• Once the cast is removed, your child will wear a boot for two weeks and begin partial weight bearing (PWB).
• After both surgical and nonsurgical treatments, physical therapy is often recommended to help your child learn to walk flat-footed more consistently. For children who have undergone surgery, physical therapy begins after the walking casts are removed.

Not only is Turkey one of the leading countries in a wide range of medical disciplines, but it is also renowned for its rich historical heritage and welcoming hospitality. This combination makes Turkey a unique destination for various treatment options. Undergoing toe walking treatment in Turkey offers numerous benefits, some of which may even surpass the advantages of receiving the same treatment privately in one’s home country. These benefits include:

• Exceptional medical expertise and a well-established reputation for medical expertise.
• State-of-the-art private hospitals equipped with cutting-edge technology.
• Personalized after-care, enriched with the warmth and care of Turkish hospitality.
• Competitive pricing offering significant value for money.
• An ideal recovery environment where orthopedic treatments are complemented by physiotherapy sessions, accelerating the healing process.

Choosing the right clinic for surgery can be a daunting task, especially with the overwhelming flood of commercial advertisements and social media promotions. It’s important to approach this decision with a clear set of criteria to guide your choices. The first factor should be honest medical advice, free from any commercial interests. Clinics should make a genuine effort to establish a strong rapport with patients, empathizing with their concerns and managing expectations. Above all, the clinic should prioritize the patient’s safety and well-being.

When it comes to pricing, it’s essential to evaluate several factors before making a decision. These include:

• The clinic’s professional standing.
• The nature and complexity of the surgery.
• The qualifications and experience of the surgeon.
• The quality of the aftercare services provided.
• The clinic should offer clear and impartial terms and conditions, outlining clinical liabilities in accordance with legal standards.

In Turkey, the cost of toe walking treatment can vary greatly depending on these factors. While the cost is a valid reason to consider traveling abroad for surgery, prioritizing price over quality can lead to irreversible problems and unnecessary costs down the road. At Prospero Medical, we are committed to offering transparent pricing that reflects the level of medical expertise, the qualifications of our surgeons, and the high standard of aftercare services we provide. Our goal is to ensure that patients receive the best possible care at the most reasonable price, supported by our years of experience and a long-established presence in the medical field.

Choosing the right clinic for surgery can be a daunting task, especially with the overwhelming flood of commercial advertisements and social media promotions. It’s important to approach this decision with a clear set of criteria to guide your choices. The first factor should be honest medical advice, free from any commercial interests. Clinics should make a genuine effort to establish a strong rapport with patients, empathizing with their concerns and managing expectations. Above all, the clinic should prioritize the patient’s safety and well-being.

When it comes to pricing, it’s essential to evaluate several factors before making a decision. These include:

• The clinic’s professional standing.
• The nature and complexity of the surgery.
• The qualifications and experience of the surgeon.
• The quality of the aftercare services provided.
• The clinic should offer clear and impartial terms and conditions, outlining clinical liabilities in accordance with legal standards.

In Turkey, the cost of toe walking treatment can vary greatly depending on these factors. While the cost is a valid reason to consider traveling abroad for surgery, prioritizing price over quality can lead to irreversible problems and unnecessary costs down the road. At Prospero Medical, we are committed to offering transparent pricing that reflects the level of medical expertise, the qualifications of our surgeons, and the high standard of aftercare services we provide. Our goal is to ensure that patients receive the best possible care at the most reasonable price, supported by our years of experience and a long-established presence in the medical field.