Serial Casting and Toe Walking What You Need To Know
Toe walking is a common problem in children. According to NCBI, toe walking has been estimated to occur in 7% to 24% of the childhood population It can be caused by neurological problems, developmental delays, or muscle weakness. The good news is that it's easy to treat with the right cast for your child's specific needs. With our serial casting technique, you'll have all the information you need in one place to make sure your little one walks on their toes without worry!
This blog post will explore what you need to know about this condition and how it can affect someone's life later in life.
Benefits of Serial Casting
Did you know that serial casting can help your child walk more normally? We’re here to tell you all about the benefits of serial casting for children with this condition.
Serial casting is an effective treatment option for children who have toe walking problems or other gait abnormalities like in-toeing or out-toeing. It involves applying a cast to the foot while it is in a plantarflexed (downward-pointing) position with toes pointed down toward the floor. This helps correct any deformities that may be causing your child’s abnormal gait pattern by allowing them time to heal without putting pressure on their feet as they walk around normally throughout the day.
When used properly, serial casts are very safe and effective treatments for many different types of gait abnormalities including toe walking, which is often caused by tight heel cords (Achilles tendons). The goal of serial casting is not only to improve alignment but also strength since these muscles need time to heal after being stretched out over time from abnormal positioning due to tightness in the Achilles tendon area.
Once healed, most patients find that they no longer require additional treatment because their muscle strength has improved enough so that they can maintain proper foot alignment when standing or walking without having to rely on.
How to Apply the Cast
If you choose to do it using serial casting methods or bandaging methods in your home, here’s how.
This technique is usually done by a certified serial caster who has studied serial casting techniques but can also be done at home with serial casting equipment purchased online. Proper serial casting equipment/supplies will include knee wraps (usually 1 pair), hook and loop tabs (usually 2-4 pairs), toe spreaders (usually 2-3 sizes depending on need). They should all come in one kit. Toe spreading tools are typically wedge-shaped; the end of the tool should be against your toes when you place it behind them.
For serial casting to work, it is necessary for your child to be at the stage of walking on their toes. In other words, they are walking on their tiptoes instead of flat-footed or with a heel-toe gait pattern. Because serial casting has been deemed non-invasive by some doctors, serial casting can actually help your little one to walk comfortably and properly after serial casting. The serial caster will teach you how to use serial casting equipment and then cast your little one's feet four times a day until their walking problems have been addressed.
The serial caster should look at every part of the foot that could be affecting toe walking such as placement of big toe, second toe, and 5th toe; the presence of a bony bar between the first and second toes; muscle tone in the leg; muscle tightness in the foot including calf muscles, thigh muscles, and shin muscles.
If serial casting is used appropriately then serial casting can help children walk with minimal struggle or discomfort after serial casting.
Removing the Cast
Soft Cast
If your child has a soft cast, it can be removed at home by carefully unwrapping the bandage and removing any pieces that need to come off. Once all of these things are done then follow your child’s physiotherapist's instructions on when or how often they should remove their brace because if left too long there could be risks for infection.
Hard Cast
If the cast is made of hard material it will need to be removed with a special saw that can cut through these types of casts. Do not try cutting off the cast yourself as this may cause injury and even amputation! If you have an emergency, contact either your child’s physiotherapist or GP immediately so they may help remedy any problems.
Removing the cast at home is an important part of healing. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully, and be sure to follow all safety precautions after removing it.
Helpful Tips for Parents of Children with this Condition
Your child might be experiencing some discomfort as they get used to the weight and bulk of their casts. It is important for them not only to stay active but also engage in fun activities that will help maintain a positive outlook on life while healing from this condition.
Helpful tips to remember:
Parents should be very careful not to get the cast wet.
Don’t try to scratch the cast. Instead, keeping that part of your child's body dry and cool with an ice pack or fan may help. You could also put a hairdryer on cool setting blow air into it if itching is bad then ask the doctor for over-the-counter medicine like Benadryl.
Be aware of the kinds of abrasive materials that are present when you're in a new area. Avoid sandpits or beaches with loose bark, dirt, and gravel--they can become very irritating if they get inside your cast and cause pressure sores to form
If your child has been diagnosed with toe walking or if they are exhibiting signs of this condition such as dragging their toes when they walk, then we recommend consulting with your pediatrician before starting any type of treatment plan. This will ensure that there isn’t another underlying medical issue causing them to toe walk.
If you’re looking for a pediatrician who is well-versed in treating children with toe walking, make an appointment today. Our staff members are always happy to answer any questions or concerns that you may have!