DD feet roll inwards ,sore ankles again need doctors 2nd opinion HELP

[lexcat]

Sorry a bit long.

DD has always had inward rolling feet. It was first noticed getting her fitted for shoes when she was about 3. As she has got older (now 8) it had got harder and harder to get shoes that support the foot to prevent the roll. At about 5 she started to get sore ankles.

Last year when having shoes fitted the fitter explained that the sore ankles were most likely caused but the inward roll and she needed insoles. Took her to the doctor said there was no problem with her gait and she just need good fitting shoes. I always get her shoes fitted. So we got new shoes, having only had the past pair for about 1 1/2 terms with plenty of life in them, and things where better.

Then on holiday we met a podiatrist, he took one look at dd and said she needs fitted insoles, I could get then on the NHS if I went though my GP. Didn't do so as I has only just tried that few months before and been sent away with a flea in my ear.

Then today tying to get dd new shoes, Clark's had lovely pair of boots (never had a problem with boots) you're guess she was rolling inwards. In fact nothing in Clark's worked for her. The assistant was very helpful as she has the same problem. Her parents had no joy getting it sorted which lead to a misalignment in her posture and now as an adult she has terrible back pain unless she wear insoles. She has been told if it was picked up as a child it could have been corrected easily with insoles. It took her 4 visits to the doctor before she was referred to a physio who instantly saw the problem.

My problem is I hate going to the doctor as it is, but dd getting sore ankle again. What's the best way to get my point across. Do I go to the same doctor or a different one. Plus almost a year ago since seeing the doctor and dd ankles have been much better, could her growth affect the roll as she is shooting up again.

You should go to a doctor and ask for a referral to a specialist. Orthopaedic or rheumatologist.

I always thought you had to be referred. Aren't referral only made if the doctor thinks their is a problem so asking doesn't really work.

Yes but you can insist on the referal - and I believe it's a podiatrist you want. I have the same problem - mine is casued by hypermobility syndrome, the rhumatologist would be looking at all the joints I believe to try to rule out something like this or arthritis and all orthopods want to do is x-ray you or chop you up in my experience.

if she is complaining of ankle pain, ask for a referral for physiotherapy

the physiotherapist is able to refer for podiatrist or orthotist assessment and she will get insoles that way

she can be taught exercises to strengthen the muscles too (although they won't necessarily correct the foot position)

the ankle pain is significant...if the pronation of her feet is altering the alignment of her lower limb, she may also end up with knee/hip/back pain too

good luck x

Thanks I'll have to wait till monday. My problem I try to push the point home but I always end up been putty in doctors hands.

Very interestingly dd has one sore ankle at the moment. It started on Sunday out walking most of the day. Came in and both ankles were hurting but as the night went on the pain moved up the calf's, I put it down to tried legs and put her to bed early. Over the week things have got better but one ankle still been sore by the evening. She just showed me the pain starts in the ankle then over time moves up achilles then into the calf and when it's really bad the knees start feel sore. It's not the first time she's had this problem but I've never realised her sore legs were related to the sore ankles. Just thought if was tiredness as it's normally after she had pretty active day and been on her feet lots.

Do you think it could all be related to her inward foot rolling.

yes, lex, it could be

I would see your doc again and push on the pain front for a physio referral

if your GP can't refer directly to a physio, ask how that can be made to happen (it can differ depending on where you live)

Just an update and wanted to say thanks for the support.

Been to doctor told him the problem and said I was hoping for a referral. He agree it was not his area of expertise and I was probably right that I need a referral. Looked at dd feet said she's got knock knees with their been a clear problem with the left foot pretty flat foot with ankle turning in. The right been more normal but not right.

We have been referred to the physio for now as she's the one to refer us to the next stage. Doc said "a child gait specialist who will most probably fit dd with insoles to support the foot arches".

Now we just have to wait till Monday to see the physio. Dread to think how long a wait to see the specialist. Oh well at least somethings happening now so thanks again.