My 32 Month Old Still Runs Weird.....

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I would have to see his body to make a personal judgment about his running development. It sounds like his upper body has more length than his legs, which is fine and would explain why he hasn't developed "true running" skills yet. Running with both feet off the ground and pumping both arms is a milestone that is not expected until 4 1/2- 5 years old BTW. Some kids just develop the skill faster. If you have concerns bring it up to his pediatrician.

Does he frequently wear Crocs? What you're describing sounds like the floppy-hop-skip-drag gait that croc sandals create in most kids who wear them regularly. A lot of parents think it's really "cute", but it is in large part because it creates a toddler-esque kind of tumble-run, because they end up using the 'wrong' muscles/tendons and it starts shaping the joints at slightly off angles. Anyhow, they create a strange walk or run in most kids, even when they wear different /supportive shoes or go barefoot until their muscles/t&l/joints start strengthening and moving in a more natural way. Just from observation the adjustment period from crocs to non-crocs tends to take 3-6 months of not wearing them at *all*... longer if they wear them occasionally.

What has his pediatrician said? If he/she doesn't seem concerned, I would seek a second opinion. Maybe he has a hip or leg issue that is causing this? He doesn't walk funny? Hm. Well, if I were you I would talk to a doctor about it and see what they say. Something does seem wrong or off to me. Good luck

I would discuss with your pediatrician, but it may be normal. Some children are born with internal tibial torsion (you know how the fetus's legs cross in the womb? They also "curve" to mold to the shape of your uterus and are then born with a slight twist to their tibias, that hard born you feel in your lower legs) - anyway, when that happens, they then to intoe a little more when they run. They will sometimes appear to have an awkward run, but interestingly, many of these kids wil grow up to be faster than normal runners (something about less air turbulence) and it is theorized that many Olympic sprinters like have this condition. It is not harmful or abnormal most of the time, but a doctor really needs to observe the child to know if it is this condition for sure or not.

If you see it, there is something. As for a referal from your pediatrician. This is one time where you don't need any confirmation from anyone eles thinks it is a problem, you have spotted it and that is enough.

M.

I second the poster below.... I have been working in the childcare field for 10 years. Usually by to they grow out of the toddler walk/run...

Can he jump with both feet at one time? Can he hope on one leg for 5-10 seconds? can he run and kick a ball with one leg?

I would seek an opinion from a professional. better to catch things earlier than later.

Dear AJ, I would say it is just his style of running. Does he have anyone to model after? I guess kids just take off and run... they don't watch anyone else. If you are concerned, ask your dr to check him out. Hopefully it is nothing.... Grandma Mary

My niece wasn't diagnosed with cerebral palsy until she was 2, so perhaps that's it. It doesn't affect her learning at all (she was in college level Latin at age 10) and only her one heel and one hand, which you wouldn't notice unless you knew. But she has been able to get physical therapy and exercises to help. Just an idea.

All of us go through developmental stages in infancy in which we integrate the primitive reflexes. When we do that, movement that we can't help doing stops. An example you will remember is when your son was about 3 months old when you put him on the floor on his tummy he automatically held his head up, even though he didn't yet have the strength. Dduring this time, there is also brain development going on that gets him ready for sequencing and telling time.

The description you mention of his running makes me think that he has retained the ATNR (Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex), which helps babies screw themselves into the birth canal. Some babies retain this when they are delivered by c-section, and I imagine the vacuum could do this as well. Children who still have a strong ATNR generally have troubles with writing and dyslexia later in school.

You would do best to contact an occupational therapist in your area who is specifically trained in primitive reflexes. The "fix" is simply doing the developmental exercises he missed daily until the reflex is integrated. If you are unable to find anyone, feel free to contact me through my website, www.pyramidofpotential.com.

Best of luck with your little boy!

I will take him to a pediatric orthopedist first and see what he thinks

Is he still in diapers? They interfere with a child walking and running. Take the diaper off and have him run barefoot and see if it improved. But it might be just him.One of my son's foot turns in, the doctor wouldnt fix it when he was a foster child and by the time I adopted him, he was an outstanding athlete. He was on his high school cross country track team and always came in first, plus he was terrific at soccer and gymnastics. Now his 2 children walk the same way. LOL

Two things you might want to consider. Does he still wear a diaper? and How is his walking/running when he is barefoot?

I tend to see more toddlers with "funny" running styles who are either wearing a lot of bulk between their legs or who are wearing shoes that are not really suitable for proper foot/leg development. Seriously, let him run around barefoot for a while and see if his stride & running style change significantly.

Hi AJ
I did not read all the other posts so if this is repeat I am sorry. First does he do it in bare feet? Second do his shoes fit? Then My best advice as an old mom is to listen to your own heart, and it seems to be telling you this isn't exactly right. Is that true?
People don't usually want to worry new moms, so how to tell if you should do something. Ask yourself if you found out a year from now that if you had asked the MD today he could have helped you but now he can't, would you feel guilty. If so at least at your next MD appt mention it. Then all the results are on him, for you have done all you can. After all you can't order x-rays or anything. Right?
I say call the MD. Better safe than sorry.
God bless you and give you wisdom. Can't wait to hear about the wise decisions you make.
Keep us updated

Hello A.J. When you go to the pediatrician ask for a referral for you son to be evaluated by a Physical Therapist which can be done at no cost to you through your county Early Intervention program. They can then also assess his overall development to determine if he could use support by other disciplines such as OT so that his overall presentation of abilities is more similar to peers his age.

A PT rather than an OT at this step will be better able to assess the fundamentals of range of motion, flexibility, strength and control that would lead to a 'weird' gait in walking and running.

While his odd gait may not be something to 'worry' about, I dont think you will regret getting your son some help to develop his motor skills at this time.

Hello, Luvmyboyz!
I want to ask you about what happened with your boy? Did the doctors said that there is something concerning about the way he runs? My toddler is 26 months and he is doing the exact same thing when he "runs". I can't help my self to stop worry about this. I will take him to pediatrcician orthopedist, but i just wanted to know. Thank you!

It's not possible for any of us to evaluate your son. You sound concerned, and if so, you should speak with his doctor, who will be able to evaluate him and let you know whether everything is normal or refer you to the proper specialist. Good luck!

If you are concerned call Early Intervention ASAP because they will not evaluate after 36 months (it is a free service to all children under age 3 years). It may be nothing or something he outgrows but at least you will have it evaluated just in case some intervention is needed.