A long time ago Erin couldn’t walk. She was desperately late to walk and I at times wondered whether she would ever walk. That might sound dramatic and it is but when you are the mum of a 2o month old that still hasn’t taken those steps you imagine all sorts. When I first sought treatment I thought she might need some magic shoes. I thought something as simple as the right shoes might get her vertical. I looked at peidros and wondered whether they would hold the answer. Obviously the reality was very different when Erin was diagnosed with DDH that the GP and health visitors had missed since birth.
We are now 22 months post spica and still Erin struggles with walking any great distance. She is getting stronger but still needs some extra support, therefore the physio had referred Erin to podiatry. Today was that appointment. Erin was firstly assessed by the podiatrist by him watching her walk up and down a corridor. His words were were ‘oh bless her she is all over the place isn’t she’ By that he meant that she crashed into both of the walls and took a stumble as she walked. He then got Erin to run, she did this once then refused to do it again saying she was tired. He asked her to hop and she proudly hopped on her left foot. She was then asked to hop on her right which she can’t do. That is her weak side. Back in the room he looked at the anatomy of her foot. Thankfully that all seems to be growing and developing correctly. The metatarsus abductus seems to be under control because it is flexible and her foot can be put into the correct position. Her ankle is very bendy which is why her gait is all over the place.
It was decided that yes Erin would benefit from some orthotics. The podiatrist disappeared with her shoes and came back with some insoles that are popped into her shoes. They will hold her ankles in better positions, Again we went into the corridor to repeat the previous assessments. It was quite surprising to see that she walked straighter and taller immediately. She did not crash into the walls. This time she marched down the corridor.
The insoles are dinky, discreet little things that are popped inside her shoes. As the picture shows, Erin is rather hard wearing on her kickers – evidence that she takes more tumbles than average! They are truly battered up!
I am hoping that these will help her gait but also stop the general aches and pains that she has. We are back in six weeks for a check up and to see how she is getting on.
Today I also found out that I am shortlisted in the Brilliance in blogging awards. Now I need your votes! If you enjoy or find my blog interesting Please click the badge below and vote for Emma and 3 in the Family category – it’s number 11.
19 Responses
I have a friend who’s child had insoles placed in their shoes to correct an imbalance, I really couldn’t believe the difference.
so pleased they have made a difference..onwards and upwards for Erin x
Those little tiny shoes are just adorable. Good luck to her, I really hope they help! 🙂 x
F’s insoles make a HUGE difference. I always know when she’s growing out of them because she starts to complain of joint pain in her knees and hips. Physio is also good but the insoles are just brilliant. Bet you notice a big difference with them. Now just to find some suitable summer shoes that they fit into to – I’ve been looking for 18 months and still not found the perfect ones!
This is amazing that these tiny little insoles can make such a difference. And another example: I know a couple of people with one leg shorter than the other by millimetres and an insole on one shoe made a huge difference to them–after suffering back pain much of their life it was gone! x
I agree Michelle, Erin’s leg are different lengths due to her surgery but hopefully they will level out as her hip drops.
I remember a child I was at school with getting insoles for the first time and it made a huge difference to how he walked. Back then insoles were big chunky things that you could only wear in special shoes. Looks like they’re really changed though. I really hope they help Erin. x
I’ll be keeping everything crossed for Erin, I really hope the insoles make a huge difference for her.
Amazing that something that seems so simple can make a such a difference. Lets hope things continue to improve and get up running around with the others really soon!
Oh that’s brilliant! I’m so happy for you its made such a difference.
I wear insoles too, as I have a foot condition, they are a life saver to me especially if I’m walkinging distances.
So pleased that things are finally moving forward for her and who cares if she is hard wearing …. its an excuse to buy more gorgeous shoes for her 🙂
It is fantastic that something that looks so small can help her walk. I hope that it makes walking distances easier for her. Congratulations on being shortlisted, so very well deserved. I am keeping everything crossed for you for the finals xxx
you know your post made me wonder if my eldest might need insoles. Time to go for a check me thinks!
Congratulations on being shortlisted by the way!
Ah isn’t that great to gave such an instant improvement. Hope she continues to get stronger x
How wonderful to have such (albeit very belated) brilliant help -and it sorted out so quickly like that. You must be so relieved and your little girl is hopefully blessed with a whole new lease of life!
You have my vote lady!
Love those gorgeous little shoes! Fingers crossed for you that she continues to improve all the time 🙂 Good luck in the BiBs! x
Aw you should frame that picture of her kickers, she’s come so far in them!
The pain sounds like my 3 year old daughter complains of, we are seeing a consultant next month. I wonder if she has Hypermobility?
So glad Erin is doing well 🙂