Starting at the Bottom ~ His Feet

 

Children who have low muscle tone have a tendency to pronate when they walk.  When the physical therapist first mentioned Thomas had flat feet we didn't think much of it, my husband has flat feet.  But as he progressed she noticed he was definitely pronating when he walked. 

Here is the mumbo jumbo: The term flat feet is sometimes mistakenly used to describe pronation, but a flat foot describes a foot that has a flat arch when both sitting and standing. Pronation is a combination of the heel rolling into a valgus position (to the outside), the arch everting or collapsing, and the forefoot twisting into a varus and abducted position (sliding outward). This is much more than just a flat foot. This poor positioning of the feet puts a great deal of stress on the knees and hips. Have a pediatric physical therapist take a look at your child to determine if your child has pronation or simply has flat feet.

Early intervention is the key.  A child with low tone will not be able to correct something like this themselves.  They will also not complain about foot pain, but as they get older the misalignment will affect their legs and their hips.  In Thomas' case we need him to have as much alignment and support as we can to try and prevent any more misalignment of his spine.  We should definitely start with the feet.  If his feet are strong and supported it will go all the way up his spine.

Here are some pictures of the orthotics as advertised.  We picked a pattern that had trucks on it in an effort to help Thomas like them. 

 

I like that he can still wear his shoes and they are quite soft and bendable.  So they provide support while still allowing him to be able to jump and play.  His goal is to keep up with his brothers, so as long as these allow him to do that we should be fine.

I will update you in two weeks when we actually have them.  I have lots more questions about them about how much, how long, etc.  But Thomas really has a lot of anxiety when strange people poke and prod at him so he walked for them and then he screamed the entire time they were getting the measurements.  Therefore, I could not think.  It was quite stressful.

I then had to sign a form since my insurance company is known for not paying for orthotics often that if they don't pay I will pay the estimated amount of $1,000-$1,500.  As much as it hurts to spend, I see it more as an investment.  We may not be able to prevent any pain that Thomas will suffer as he grows and ages, but I am sure going to do everything in my power to use the current medical field to help make him stronger!!

A wonderful reminder that was sent to me: Never underestimate God's power to use your child to bring Him glory. God has a marvelous purpose for your child!

Revelation 21:4, "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."