I'm thinking of going private re-podiatory, as we were offered no help from NHS.

[mummyloveslucy]

We've just come back from the Podiatrists with my 8 year old DD. Her feet roll outwards, causing pain in her shins, foot arches, knees and back.
He wiggled her feet around, saw her walking and agreed that she does roll out and have an unusual gait. He said that her leg muscles need to strengthen up, and that she should practice standing on one leg every day.
That was it! Nothing else. He said if it's genetic, (her dad's are the same) her feet will develop that way anyway, then when they do, he'll look at an insole then.
Surely there can be more they can do now? FGS. I think I'll just go private, although it'll be a waste of money if they tell me the same, but I think I'll take that risk.

[mummyloveslucy]

The chap didn't fill me with confidence either, he was a bit of a wet lettuce.

[poshfrock]

Mummy I was in a similar situation with my DD only her feet roll in. NHS just said nothing to be done and that's just how she walks.

Scroll forward 2 years and I decided to take up running for the first time ever. 6 weeks in to the Couch to 5k programme I injure my calf. Doctor says pulled muscle, ice and rest. So I go the local physio who happens to specialise in running injuries. He checks my gait on his treadmill and lo and behold I have the same rolling in as my daughter ( never even knew). He said not a problem for walking ( which is why I never noticed) but can play havoc with lower limb muscles when running. I'm going back this week to get some orthotics for running but it can never be cured as I'm now too old. I mentioned to him about my daughter and he said definitely treatable at her age (9). If she's not treated then she will end up with the same issues as me. So I'm taking her to see him later in the week.She'll probably need an insole to correct her gait for a couple of years. BTW he did say that there's no point doing much before age 8 as kids are still developing.

So I would get her to a physio asap. Mine charges £30 for half an hour

[ReallyTired]

I know of a private podiatrist in Potters bar, it costs £25 for an intial appointment at the shoe shop Precious Soles. (The cost may have gone up as its years since I took my son.)

www.precioussoles.co.uk/

Feet problems aren't easy to fix. Private podiatry is not cheap. I have to admit that I found the NHS more helpful for my son. Sometimes inserts can help, but time fixed my son's problems.

[Pobblewhohasnotoes]

I'm not sure what difference a private podiatrist would make. Have you been to the GP? Sounds more like you need to see a physio.

[forevergreek]

We did as an adult. Dh had a problem and try said it would be 2-3 months for an appointment to even be made, and that would be 6-8 weeks time on top. He was in agony

Went home, found a private one on google and was booked in 40 mins later. £50

[ReallyTired]

I am writing in thinking that Lucy has dypraxia. Do you think that the issues walking and dypraxia might be related.

With walking gait problems it can either be neurological or orthopedic. Lucy might gain more from seeing a private paediatric physio. If the issue is neurological then it is far harder to treat.

[mummyloveslucy]

Thank you. I will take her to a private podiatrist, as I need to be sure. Like Poshfrock said, if it's left, they won't be able to correct it. I've read that feet rolling out, play more havoc than rolling in. She's already complaining of pain, bless her.

[mummyloveslucy]

I'm not sure about Dyspraxia, but she certainly has co-ordination and ballance issues, and poor muscle tone. She has some retained reflexes, which have caused some problems in this area.

[beautifulgirls]

See if you can get a referral to an orthotist instead. They deal with insoles and supportive shoes.

[ReallyTired]

Surely you would not get an referal to an orthotist without a child physio or a podiatrist. The orthotist just makes the orthorics, but the physio or podiatrist prescribes the thickness and flexiblity of the inserts.

Does Lucy wear boots at all. We found that ds got on better with strongly made shoes than orthotics. It almost sounds if Lucy needs ankle support.

[mummyloveslucy]

She wears long boots sometimes in the winter, but not for school. She's always had Start-rite shoes, boots, slippers etc. Sometimes Clarks, but I've found Start-rite to be better quality.

[ReallyTired]

I realise its difficult, but would Lucy's school let her wear black trainers?

Would the school let her get away with something like this.

www.sportsdirect.com/lonsdale-oval-ii-trainers-infants-025004?colcode=02500443

or would Lucy's taste allow her to wear a pair of plain black trainers for school.

www.sportsdirect.com/lonsdale-leyton-v-childrens-trainers-035328

Boys shoes offer far better support than girls shoes. The problem ofcourse is that Lucy may well be teased for wearing boys shoes.

[mummyloveslucy]

She has Start-rite Samba at the moment. They are a Mary Jane style with velcro. They are quite plane to look at, but they are sturdy. They have heel stiffeners to help prevent pronation. Lucy's feet Supronate, so turn the other way. It's less common, but causes more problems apparently.

[mummyloveslucy]

It looks as if my last post didn't work.

I said that the school might make an exception, but she'd hate it! She is a very girly girl. We always go for the most supportive of the girls shoes. There isn't much to choose from now that one foot is a 3.5 G.