Hypermobility - 2 year old

[ReallyNotAHippie]

I've read a few threads on this but have a few questions of other parents of Hypermobile children if that's ok?

We saw a Paediatrician in November as our youngest was 20 months old, wasn't walking, hadn't crawled until 16 months, and was super-flexible (generally sat doing the splits, moved his legs 180 degrees without lifting his bottom off the floor etc).

She confirmed our suspicion that he was hypermobile, stating he had the most flexible ankles she'd ever seen (great......!) and also hypermobility in his hips, wrists and fingers. He doesn't seem to experience any pain from it (other than from all the falling over) which is good.

Her recommendation was to get him supportive boots, to help his ankles, and sure enough, once he had these, it was only a few weeks before he took his first steps.

The Paediatrician said that, once he was walking, we could call her up for a referral to Orthotics if we thought it was necessary. She also said that there was no point in physio for someone so little. This has been puzzling me quite alot as, from what I've read, quite a few toddlers have seen physio about their hypermobility. Has anyone else received this advice from a Consultant? Am wondering if we'd be better seeing an Orthopaedic Consultant rather than a Paediatrician. He's now been walking for over 3 months and is still incredibly unstable. He's not able to walk around outside without someone right by him to hold his hands/catch him when he falls over, and indoors he falls over ALL the time - his walking is almost like a run, which seems mostly involuntary - he's just trying to catch up with himself so he doesn't fall over!

Any thoughts appreciated!

[EggBasket]

Hiya DS2 is a bit older (3.11) but just been diagnosed with hypermobility. We too were told that physio wasn't necessary at the moment as most hypermobile children naturally "stiffen up" as they get older, but that we could ask to be referred for physio if things hadn't improved in a couple of years. He is still rather clumsy but doesn't fall over half as often as he used to when he was first walking, his legs ache sometimes but otherwise he gets on fine.

[ReallyNotAHippie]

Sounds like they're exactly the same age (DS2 was 20 months when diagosed but is 2 next week). Good to hear that someone else has been told physio isn't necessary - was a bit worried we'd been misinformed.

[Katygranny]

My little grandson is hyper mobile and is not walking independently at 22 months. He is able to push a little brick trolley, rather fast and needs close supervision ! My son has been told by a private physio his sons feet are needing support probably with an insole in a shoe. Orthotics are not taking referrals til September.
Could anyone recommend where to get supportive shoes/ boots from for now ? what make to look for? It needs to be accessible from where they live in Surrey. Thank you .

[Foreverbaffled]

Hmm that’s interesting. DS2 was diagnosed with hypermobility at 6 months and we have only just been discharged from physio at 20 months. We’ve been doing work with him this whole period. He’s doing very well but honestly it’s impossible to know whether he would have managed this with or without our extra input. Would a one off assessment privately with a physio be a possibility?

[Katygranny]

Can I ask you is DS2 walking independently yet? Have you been advised to try any supportive shoes or boots ? My son has had the physio appt which recommended an insole and orthotics but no referrals atm!

[Foreverbaffled]

@Katygranny

Can I ask you is DS2 walking independently yet? Have you been advised to try any supportive shoes or boots ? My son has had the physio appt which recommended an insole and orthotics but no referrals atm!

@Katygranny He is walking independently yes and has been since 16/17 months. He doesn’t have supportive shoes but you can see the instability in his ankles so probably would benefit from them. It’s good you’ve been seen by physio! It all helps and I hope you get your referral through soon.