dd going to see orthopaedic specialist on Thursday - what to expect ?

[LIZS]

dd (4) has had inturned feet/pigeon toes since she started to walk. We were assured it would correct itself by 4 , but it hasn't, although has lessened. She is now at a point where particularly her left foot turns in as she runs and she trips herself up. We have an appointment with an orthopaedic specialist for assessment on Thursday and wonder what to expect. I suspect we may get a physio referral but has anyone been through similar and got any advice as to what might happen and how to prepare her.

tia

. anyone ?

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Thanks amanda, rather what I suspected. Obviously we would only want her to have invasive treatment as a last resort. She has an eye problem too so would want to deal with both before she gets self conscious or teased.

I have no knowledge or experience of inturned feet, specifically, (DS has an inturned foot s a result of amore complicated situation)_ but basically the orthopeadic options include surgery, physio and orthotics. There may be an option of a splint to wear at night and / or during the day, or possibly specially supportive insoles.

If you are 'fobbed off', ask why it is best to wait. Orthopeadic interventions and surgery are often timed carefully because of various issues to do with bone growth, density, growth of soft tissue etc. If surgery is done too early, it just has to be repeated all over again, with added complication of scar tissue.

Well, the update is that after being kept waiting for 40 minutes we were told she is within the limits of normality , although the inturn is definitely there. Cause not really established but he checked her foot and hips. No treatment, just "supervised neglect" ie. wait and see for a few more years and come back if we are worried !