Are there any podiatrists or people who know about orthotis who would be kind enough to advise me??

[mummyloveslucy]

Hi, my 8 year old daughter has one leg slightly shorter than the other. Her foot on this leg is a whole size smaller, and her shin bone is twisted outwards. She walks on the side of this foot. The other foot is a bit pronated. She also tends to grip with her toes and flicks them up as she walks. She's been prescribed Orthotics, but when we went back, they said that she was still going over on that foot and that the shoes didn't support her feet well enough. They were Clarks. Start-rite didn't have any that fitted properly with the Orthotics as she has very wide feet to start with. We've tried so many makes and styles of shoes, but because she's a 5 with the insoles, they are all fashionable ballet bump styles with a strap.
We have an appointment soon for Orthotics and the podiatrist said she'll probably get some Piedro boots.
I have seen children wearing these and they seem so heavy and restrictive. I've just read an article on childrens feet and that bare foot is best, and shoes should be as close to bare foot as possible, as any restrictions or mouldings can damage their growing feet.
I'm really not sure what to do for the best now. She has always had Start-rites from the time she could walk properly. There is nothing wrong with her actual feet, it's the way her legs are affecting her walking. She complains of knee and shin pain when walking, but this is much better with the insoles.
What would you recommend? Thanks.

Is there definately no twisting of pelvis going on ? Personally I would take her to say a chiropractor or osteopath to check out that there is nothing else going on that is making her problems worse. They look at you holistically which is not something that the NHS do.

Have you been to see an orthopaedic consultant? I would suggest doing so if you haven't already as they will give you a better idea on what the longer term will be like for her.

With regards to shoes - have you tried Kickers? DD3 has only half a right foot and these shoes are nice and sturdy and fit her orthotic insert well. I have no idea what make the orthotic shoes were that she had but to be honest we found them a nightmare for her and didn't fit her well. So much better when we started to buy kickers for her.

They said that there wasn't any twisting of the pelvis, but her ankle joint sticks out on the one she rolls out on.

I will take her to an osteopath, to check everything thoroughly. Thank you. I didn't know that was an option.

I haven't tried Kickers. It's a nightmare as her feet are an H width, and deep. The insoles make them even deeper, so we have to go up way too big, then she's tripping.

What is the difference between a chiropractor and an osteopath?

Modern ones are fairly similar. It was explained to me that an osteopath works on the connective tissues etc in order to help manipulate joints where needed where as a chiropacter does the manipulation to get the soft tissues to repond.

Ask for local recommendations and check they are fully qualified and experienced in treating children. Really hope it helps.

Elefanten do sandals with supportive high backs which may be better in the warmer weather?

Hi MLL, how's Lucy doing? Is the new school doing well?

Piedros are brilliant. They come in very small size increments, both for length and width, so the shoes really fit properly. They are also able to be modified easily because of the way they are constructed - they have several layers which the orthotist can modify. They come in a range of styles - lace up, velcro, etc., colours and heights.

DD1 wears Peidros and her gait and stability are markedly improved when she wears her peidros vs trainers.

Hi lougle. Lucy is doing really well in her new school and she loves it! I didn't have anything to worry about after all. She has lots of friends and has a full time one to one with her.

I'm sure the Pedros will be 100% better than what she has at the moment.

I've had a look at the Elefantens and they don't seem to go up to a size 5. They do look nice and comfy though.

Aw that's a shame. Pedros all the way then

That is such good news

Thank you.

I have had a look on the Piedro website and the black patent boots look nice. Can we chose which ones we like, or will they just give us what ever they have in stock?

The orthotist will have a catalogue that you can choose from. They will then order them and fit them for Lucy around 2 weeks later.

DD1's orthotist won't allow her to have Piedro sandals. He is of the view that there is no point having supportive shoes if you are then going to cut away almost all of the supportive measures

Another brand to check out is memo. My dd had a pair of these as well as piedros. We found them very good.

Well that does make sense. Even if it does mean she'll be sweating buckets all summer. It's good that we can chose. The patent ones look as if they could be Kickers or something, where as the plain black do look very much like boys boots.