Different Kind of Convo About Shoes

[KIDZRMYBIZ]

I had a dcm take her child to a specialist because she was convinced her almost 2yo's very normal way of crazy running meant he had bad hips. His hips are perfect (surprise...not). But an article she read in the waiting room said that tippy toe walking (which he does, only sometimes, for fun, like a normal 2yo) can shorten the achilles tendon, so she is convinced he needs to wear high top tennies at all times.

I am a no-shoes daycare. My biggest worry is stepping on little fingers. I wouldn't even hesitate if it were truly a special needs kind of situation, but a fabricated one is kinda finding the end of my patience.

Do I let it roll off my back, abide, and just wait for dcm to get bored with it, or do I make her bring a dr note and blame it on liability insurance (a little unbelievable) or something?

[Baby Beluga]

Originally Posted by KIDZRMYBIZ

I had a dcm take her child to a specialist because she was convinced her almost 2yo's very normal way of crazy running meant he had bad hips. His hips are perfect (surprise...not). But an article she read in the waiting room said that tippy toe walking (which he does, only sometimes, for fun, like a normal 2yo) can shorten the achilles tendon, so she is convinced he needs to wear high top tennies at all times.

I am a no-shoes daycare. My biggest worry is stepping on little fingers. I wouldn't even hesitate if it were truly a special needs kind of situation, but a fabricated one is kinda finding the end of my patience.

Do I let it roll off my back, abide, and just wait for dcm to get bored with it, or do I make her bring a dr note and blame it on liability insurance (a little unbelievable) or something?

I would make her bring a note from the pediatrician stating this was a medical necessity. Especially if you are worried about little fingers.

[spedmommy4]

The early intervention physical therapist I worked said it was worth a chat with the pediatrician when toe walking when it was frequent and not showing any signs of improving by age two. Lots of toddlers and new walkers toe walk at some point. It's novel. Most don't continue to toe walk because it's not a particularly easy or comfortable way to get around. Here is some information you may find helpful: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-c...s/con-20034585

[Denali]

Originally Posted by KIDZRMYBIZ

I had a dcm take her child to a specialist because she was convinced her almost 2yo's very normal way of crazy running meant he had bad hips. His hips are perfect (surprise...not). But an article she read in the waiting room said that tippy toe walking (which he does, only sometimes, for fun, like a normal 2yo) can shorten the achilles tendon, so she is convinced he needs to wear high top tennies at all times.

I am a no-shoes daycare. My biggest worry is stepping on little fingers. I wouldn't even hesitate if it were truly a special needs kind of situation, but a fabricated one is kinda finding the end of my patience.

Do I let it roll off my back, abide, and just wait for dcm to get bored with it, or do I make her bring a dr note and blame it on liability insurance (a little unbelievable) or something?

My son's pediatrician (my son did tip toe walking and just had a hard time walking in general) told us high top tennis shoes can promote flatfoot walking. Something to point out to Mom and suggest she talks to her pediatrician and get help with, as they are the professional and expert for these things.

[Leigh]

IF there is a problem with her child's feet, high top shoes are not going to solve the issue. I'd encourage her to see whatever doctor she needs to see to put her mind at ease, but remind her that there are NO SHOES IN YOUR HOUSE. Just tell her that it's non-negotiable.

[laundrymom]

I would encourage her to explore that theory. I would adhere to whatever recommendations they have and allow whatever corrective footwear they provide however, I would require a plan of action. Complete with explanation of condition, length of corrective action plan and complete medical description. I would require a complete change of footwear/braces to be left at your house to limit dirt transmission. I would also require mom to put them on and take off each day.
If they "forget" to do it they can come back to do it so you don't do it wrong.

[Blackcat31]

High top tennies....

Nice try mom!

Never heard about the therapeutic benefits of high tops...
Good to know!

[spedmommy4]

Originally Posted by Blackcat31

High top tennies....

Nice try mom!

Never heard about the therapeutic benefits of high tops...
Good to know!

There isn't a therapeutic benefit but high tops back up against the Achilles' tendon. It makes it hard to toe walk. The shoes become the deterrent. They are sometimes recommend for kids who aren't severe enough to need orthotics. (Or for kids who were toe walking due to sensory issues)

Interestingly, sometimes light up shoes are also recommended to discourage toe walking. (Moreover to encourage walking properly).

http://nspt4kids.com/therapy/types-o...e-toe-walking/

[Blackcat31]

Originally Posted by spedmommy4

There isn't a therapeutic benefit but high tops back up against the Achilles' tendon. It makes it hard to toe walk. The shoes become the deterrent. They are sometimes recommend for kids who aren't severe enough to need orthotics. (Or for kids who were toe walking due to sensory issues)

Interestingly, sometimes light up shoes are also recommended to discourage toe walking. (Moreover to encourage walking properly).

http://nspt4kids.com/therapy/types-o...e-toe-walking/

Hmm, my ds was a toe walker. Has/had sensory issues and is an Aspie. The one shoe type his Dr said to avoid was high tops. Said they created a false suport through the ankle while leaving the foot under worked. Made reference to trying to walk on our foot when it's asleep.. (?) I am paraphrasing.. I know nothing about OT/PT stuff. I just loved this little red pair of high tops my son had and remember feeling bummed that he wouldn't really get to wear them. Maybe they've learned more or shoes have changed since.. My ds is 25 now and this was back when he was a young pre-schooler.

[spedmommy4]

Originally Posted by Blackcat31

Hmm, my ds was a toe walker. Has/had sensory issues and is an Aspie. The one shoe type his Dr said to avoid was high tops. Said they created a false suport through the ankle while leaving the foot under worked. Made reference to trying to walk on our foot when it's asleep.. (?) I am paraphrasing.. I know nothing about OT/PT stuff. I just loved this little red pair of high tops my son had and remember feeling bummed that he wouldn't really get to wear them. Maybe they've learned more or shoes have changed since.. My ds is 25 now and this was back when he was a young pre-schooler.

It's possible. Look at how often recommendations in ECE change. I know they have been recommending them at least 4-5 years. That said, the therapists on the school district staff said that best practice is for the doctor to rule out orthopedic issues. Then the high tops could be tried . . . If it's a persistent issue.

[Pepperth]

She should definitely see her pediatrician if she suspects any issues. My son had orthopedic supports for his shoes and had to wear his shoes at daycare all the time. I had such hard time finding reasonably-priced shoes wide enough to fit the supports that I usually ended up buying skateboarding shoes. One time, he needed new shoes and the only pair I could find locally was a pair of high top DC's that had laces. I felt horrible for his provider. At least, they only had to be removed at naptime.

[daycarediva]

Originally Posted by Blackcat31

Hmm, my ds was a toe walker. Has/had sensory issues and is an Aspie. The one shoe type his Dr said to avoid was high tops. Said they created a false suport through the ankle while leaving the foot under worked. Made reference to trying to walk on our foot when it's asleep.. (?) I am paraphrasing.. I know nothing about OT/PT stuff. I just loved this little red pair of high tops my son had and remember feeling bummed that he wouldn't really get to wear them. Maybe they've learned more or shoes have changed since.. My ds is 25 now and this was back when he was a young pre-schooler.

My autistic ds had the same recommendation. They actually told us to let him go barefoot as much as possible.

I had a dck with autism last summer and the same issue- no high tops.

[MunchkinWrangler]

Yeah, I would definitely not change house rules because dcm wants her child to wear shoes all the time. She can do that at home.

No shoes are allowed in my house, I wear them at times but I'm the boss(see how that works..), safety is another concern of mine as well.

Those two things trump what dcm wants big time.

Just say no.