Ainsley needs custom shoes

At our two year check up, Ainsley was referred to an orthopedist for turning her feet out and pronating her ankles when walking. So, we've gone to see the ortho, she got X-rays, and after looking at them, he said she needs custom shoes. He said her feet are "extremely flat". If the shoes don't correct the problem, she may need surgery in the future. Of course, I hope that's not the case. Tomorrow I'll have to call the insurance company and see if custom shoes are covered and where we need to go. Her pronating is getting worse so I am glad we are getting this taken care of immediately.

 

So sorry to hear that. HOpefully the shoes will correct the problem and then u can avoid surgery

Keep us updated, hope ur insurance does cover it


amanda

 

I'm sorry to hear about her needing special shoes Kelly! I hope the insurance covers it!

 

Sorry to hear about that. My mom had this as a kid and besides having limited choices in her footwear, she never had to have surgery and outgrew it eventually. None of us kids (4) had it.

Did they (or you) think this has anything to do with Ainsley walking late?

 

QUOTE(SweetpeaG @ Aug 30 2007, 11:24 PM) [snapback]387328[/snapback]
Did they (or you) think this has anything to do with Ainsley walking late?


He didn't say, but I think it's all related. She would have walked late anyway due to the gross motor delay, but I think she *could* have walked a couple months before she did, but she was so unsure that she wouldn't let go. I think the ankle and foot problems are what are causing her to feel so unsteady and be overly cautious. She still has a death grip on my hand when we walk outside and hesitates before going from one surface to another (like cement to grass).

 

Wow, custom shoes sounds like a pain, but I'm glad he was able to identify the problem and hopefully fix it! I did have custom shoes at a toddler (it wasn't that same problem, it was something to do with my hip rotation), and as far as I know, it worked -- at least I never had surgery and I walk fine now. I hope the shoes turn out to be covered by insurance.

 

What a bummer Kelly. I hope the shoes correct the problem.

 

I found out today the shoes are not covered by insurance, but at least they are not too expensive. I called around today, and the shoes she needs don't have to be completely custom made. They get them from a specialty orthopedic shoe company and then insert the things she needs (arch supports and some kind of special heel). It's going to run around $75-100, so still expensive but not hundreds of dollars like I was thinking.

 

ugh! well, on the positive side you'll be helping her to feel more secure and learn to walk properly. on the negative side, no more cute matching shoes for bea and ainsley . that's great that the shoes aren't so expensive - heck, i pay $50 per pair for their sneakers regularly, so $75 for orthodics sounds like a deal!

 

Oh, I know! I just bought baby walker shoes from Stride Rite, per the PT's recommendation and those were nearly $50. At least Bea's feet seemed to have reached a growing standstill and I haven't had to buy any for a few months. It could be worse with these orthopedic shoes, I am really glad it's not going to be as much as I thought.

 

QUOTE(Snittens @ Aug 31 2007, 07:13 PM) [snapback]388553[/snapback]
Oh, I know! I just bought baby walker shoes from Stride Rite, per the PT's recommendation and those were nearly $50. At least Bea's feet seemed to have reached a growing standstill and I haven't had to buy any for a few months. It could be worse with these orthopedic shoes, I am really glad it's not going to be as much as I thought.


That's a relief, even though insurance doesn't cover it. Hopefully her feet will stay in one size for a good while. I can't believe how much money I spend on shoes for the boys...I can't wait until they are teenagers and demanding the latest $100+ shoes and then outgrowing them for a new pair in 3 months!

 

That's great that they don't cost to much since insurance doesn't cover it. I had to pay $500 for inserts for Kira's flat feet and insurance didn't cover it. I have to take her back also for a follow up to see if they helped or if she will be needing surgery or ankle braces (she also walked on her ankles).

 

I am glad you got the x-rays & Ainsley can be treated non-invasively. That stinks about the insurance coverage for the shoes - another example of how short-sighted the insurance system can be. I hope they make cute little shoes for her!

 

The shoes will probably count as a tax deduction, though. And you may also see if anywhere in you or DH's benefits you have medical spending account plan. You can set aside a certain amount to cover anything medical.

I have to wear a special insert or have my heels altered. I remember feeling so miserable about it at first. I was in my early twenties and wanted to wear cute shoes! But when I went into the orthotics shop and saw all the baby shoes and children's shoes lined up, it made me shut up in a hurry!