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Post by Jodi on Jun 3, 2005 16:01:28 GMT -5
Ryan had DAFO's (Dynamic Ankle/Foot Orthotics) from about 18 mos. until about 30 mos.
I noticed he balances on the back/inside of his feet when his shoes are off, and wondered if maybe he could use a little more support.
Jodi
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Post by meghans_mom on Jun 3, 2005 17:20:43 GMT -5
Meghan has had 2 set's of AFO's. She's in her second pair (she's 4 1/2 yrs old). Have your PT evaluate him...I've heard alot of them differing on the turning in aspect when using orthotics....some say they're helpful, some say no.
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Post by kristin on Jun 3, 2005 18:52:48 GMT -5
Cole has had the hard plastic (and expensive) AFO's, but he wouldn't walk if he was wearing them... (took away his sensory input, I guess). He now has the DAFO inserts; I think they are Pollywogs... Like Laurie said, I have also heard differing opinions as to whether or not their little feet can be harmed by not using the orthotics. Cole, however, is developing bunions already, and so we are having an in-depth eval. at TCH in Denver to get the final word on this. After everything he's already been through, I certainly don't want to have bunion surgery, but his feet are in pretty bad shape, at only 3 years of age. A result of super-low muscle tone, and a large body mass to carry around... ;(
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Post by samanthajosmom_12 on Jun 3, 2005 22:46:00 GMT -5
we use sure steps
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Post by laurasnowbird on Jun 4, 2005 5:34:16 GMT -5
We used Sure Steps for awhile, and they improved Ethan's stance considerably, but he would not walk in them. I'm going to have him re-evaluated though, because he pronates and his ankles roll in a little, which is just not good for his joints!
We did U of M's treadmill study when he was younger, and one of the things the current study is looking at is the impact of orthotics. Ethan is still in the follow-up portion of the study, so we will ask what they've observed, but it is probably too early to learn the study conclusions. We'll have to stay tuned!
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Post by marisa on Jun 4, 2005 8:36:45 GMT -5
Laura has an appiontment in July and her OT and PT said they will most likely recomend them. My Pt is going to give me a note to take to the Dr. so I don't forget anything.
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Post by Cathy on Jun 4, 2005 13:12:38 GMT -5
Katie wears smo's they just come up above her ankles. This is her second set and they seem to be helping her with ankle support and have actually helped her develop arches.
They are a pain to fit into shoes, but so far we have been able to manage.
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Post by Betty & Ian's Mom on Jun 4, 2005 20:59:54 GMT -5
Betty was wearing SMO's for a 1.5 yrs. now she's wearing shoe inserts. I've notice a huge improvement in her standing abilities, but she is still staggering when she walks, her PT says that that'll improve in time because she just started walking 6 months ago.
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Post by AnnieC on Jun 6, 2005 5:59:29 GMT -5
Raven wears AFO's.....she has since she was 3 (she almost 7 now). In her case they have helped immensely. She has very weak ankles & could not support her weight for a very long time.
We use her AFO's for school & when we are out & about, but we also work on her standing & walking without them at home. Her left ankle is looking great, but her right ankle is still weak. We are hoping to stepdown to smo's in august....which I think is a real possibility.
It has been a positive experience for her. I've heard differing opinions on the use of AFO's though. But, all of Raven's PT's, even if they disagreed with AFO's, have all said Raven needs them
Good luck!
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Post by Staci on Jun 6, 2005 7:13:44 GMT -5
Aidan has had regular AFO's and Sure Step's...he absolutely hates them all! LOL He will not wear them for anything...and his feet are VERY, VERY pronated! They turn in realllly bad, yet I have found nothing that works that he is happy with. They are getting stronger, but still turn in. I just buy a good, supporting shoe that laces up...no sandles for that kid! His old PT was anti-AFO, though, she didn't think he needed them at all...*I* was the one who did! Good luck! It's hard finding the perfect thing that works with our kids!
Staci
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Post by Jodi on Jun 6, 2005 9:38:02 GMT -5
Thank you all for your responses. It seems that most kids a younger than Ryan - he will be 7 in a week!!! I think I will go in for a consult just to see about getting something for his shoes. He gets around really well, he just doesn't seem to have any arch and seems to roll in without shoes. Of course, maybe I should just keep his shoes on  . Jodi |
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