Triumph Over Tiptoe Walking: James’ Journey with the Brace
Navigating the world can be challenging for a child with tiptoe walking, but with the right solutions, significant progress can be made. Our son, James, is a testament to that. After exploring various alternatives like serial casting at the children’s hospital and special high-top shoes, we found the home brace to be the most effective in his battle against tiptoe walking.
From the outset, the brace provided James with the support he needed. Unlike casting, which restricted his movement and comfort, the brace allowed for a greater range of motion while still guiding his feet to walk properly. Special high-top shoes, on the other hand, provided some support but didn’t quite address the core issue as effectively as the brace did. They can work for some kids but fail in more severe cases.
The transformation was gradual but remarkable. With consistent use of the brace, James began to show significant improvement. His confidence grew alongside his ability to walk with a more natural gait. It was heartening to see him not only overcome a physical challenge but also gain a sense of accomplishment and independence. His foot was finally able to sit flat against the floor after 4 months which was a dream come true for us. He is able to run and stumble less with regular shoes and can tolerate the brace for 4 to 6 hours a day. Make sure to use pants and socks with the brace to avoid unnecessary skin tension.
When you first begin make sure to try it for 1 hour or less and grow from there. What will happen over time is that with tendons will start to become looser and less stiff allowing for the foot to go on a normal flat L shape. If your child is uncomfortable and crying make sure to remove the brace and try again at a later date. In time the brace will become second nature and will allow your child to jump and run with it.
In conclusion, while every child’s journey with tiptoe walking is unique, for James, the brace has been a game-changer. It has offered a balance of support and freedom, making it a superior alternative to casting and special high-top shoes. We are grateful for the progress he has made and optimistic about the strides he will continue to take. We are hopeful that continued bracing will get him to a fully flat walking gait in the future.
If you are navigating similar challenges, consider exploring the brace as an option. It might just be the key to unlocking your child’s flat walking potential, as it did for our son James.
We found 2 braces on Amazon that fit our needs:
1st brace for when he was younger available here at amazon under $35 dollars: 
2nd Brace for when James turns 6 years and older:
One last thing that we had to adapt was to add anti-slip pads to the braces in order for the brace to have grip and to avoid damaging your floors. We used these pads that you can cut on the shape of the boot and then place as stickers to the bottom. There are a bunch of these things available so experiment with them and see which ones fit the bill the best.
Disclaimer: The content on our blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. We are not medical professionals, and the information provided should not be used as a substitute for consultation with a healthcare provider. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the outcomes based on the information shared here. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.