Any one have a baby who wears orthotics?

Just curious. My son will be getting his in 2 weeks and I just want to know what to expect, how the transition went for you, and how they are doing now. He is 15 mos and doesn't walk yet but we're hoping they work for him. Thanks!

 

I had special shoes as a small child (but that was 30+ years ago so it doesn't really count!). My feet didn't stay pointed forward when I was walking and the shoes were supposed to help my ankles and feet learn which way to go. What does your son need the orthotics for? Will he have to wear them at all times? Good luck...

 

We had them for Lucas, he wore them for a few hours at a time until he could wear them all day. His feet pointed in and would cause him to fall after a few steps. I have to get them for Molly as well, she has weak ankles and flips one of her legs out as she walks. He is young enough that it won't be too new for him especially since he doesn't have the memory of walking without them. They did a world of good for Lucas, I think I am going to get them for him again, in fact for all of my babes as Micah walks with his feet pointing out. They can't hurt! Good Luck!

 

He was already casted they are ankle/foot orthotics or AFO's. They will puthis legs in the correct position to walk. I'm curious about shoes and transitioning to wear them full time.

 

QUOTE(Mum2TwinBoys @ May 7 2009, 10:22 AM) [snapback]1304133[/snapback]
We had them for Lucas, he wore them for a few hours at a time until he could wear them all day. His feet pointed in and would cause him to fall after a few steps. I have to get them for Molly as well, she has weak ankles and flips one of her legs out as she walks. He is young enough that it won't be too new for him especially since he doesn't have the memory of walking without them. They did a world of good for Lucas, I think I am going to get them for him again, in fact for all of my babes as Micah walks with his feet pointing out. They can't hurt! Good Luck!


How long did they need them for?

 

He wore them for about 1 year solid, we did not have ankle supports though.

 

my kids don't have orthotics but part of my job is to make orthotics for kids/adults, mainly upper extremity ones, but many of the principles are the same. If he tolerated the casting well than he should tolerate the afo pretty well too. As he grows they may need to be adjusted so that they fit comfortably. As far as shoes you may need to just get an extra wide shoe and probably something with a soft sole or flexibility would be good, stride rite makes really nice ones, but they can be expensive. can i ask why he needed to be casted in the first place, that affects how long he will need the afo's, if it is due to an orthopedic condition it will likely be shorter than if its due to a neurologic conditio.