What practical help/support for DS (10)'s gait/posture/joint problems?

[fluffyhamster]

Just looking for advice really.

DS (10) is tall & gangly for his age, and appears to have hypemobility (is very bendy..)

When he was younger we saw a physio about his in-toedness, who said the problem was related to his hip muscles, and who sent us away with an A4 sheet of exercises (which we occasionally remember to do )

I was watching DS play cricket last night however, and I was shocked to see quite how bad/uncomfortable and awkward his gait looks when he is running around.
He has very recently started complaining about occasional knee pains too, and I'm sure it is all related.

The question is - where to go for help?

We felt a bit fobbed off by the GP last time, so I feel a bit reluctant, or at least I want to go back with some idea about where perhaps we should be asking to be referred next?

Who specialises in this sort of problem - is it an Osteoptah?
Or a Physio, or podiatrist?

I don't mind going private, if that's what it takes, but I need to work out where to start!

In the meantime, I did think about trying to get him some kids pilates or something, as I think this might help?

Hi
I can't offer any advice but have literally just got back from the GP about exactly the same problem with my 5 year old son. He is tall for age (about 122 cms, so wears age 7-8 clothes) and thin and "gangly" which is why for some years now I've tried to dismiss his awkward walk and really bad running and general limping and loping about as just something he'll hopefully grow out of. But in the past 6 months-1 year the limp is becoming so bad that I'm afraid he's going to start getting laughed at at school!! The GP was actually very good and is referring us to a paediatric orthopaedic specialist with a view to initially having x-rays to see if there are any obvious joint problems (as my son, who says there is no pain, said this week for the first time, that his leg makes a noise, so presumably clicking in the hip/knee?)...I'm hoping, like you, that it's something that can be sorted by muscle strengthening (assuming that's why you mention the pilates) and physiotherapy as would desperately not want to go down any surgical route!!! Having had knee surgery myself I would avoid orthopaedic surgery at all costs in a child!! I'm keen to keep an eye on this thread and see what others say and to see what you decide to do...keep us posted.

I forgot to update this, but just wanted to let you know my child was diagnosed with Perthes disease a few weeks ago in his right hip. Obviously that explains the limping and terrible gangly running! Just thought I'd update in case it helps anyone else to recognise the symptoms of Perthes

You could try this website www.hypermobility.org/

My son has hypermobility (and also has autism spectrum disorder) and has benefited from Occupational Therapy - although getting a referral is like gold dust where we live. He has been given various exercises to do - I'd recommend OT highly.

jellybelly, if it?s Perthes you should maybe re-think your opposition to surgery as it?s frequently the best long-term solution.

I know of 2 children who have had corrective surgery for this condition and although the rehab takes some time, both are now back playing a good level of sport without any pain or discomfort in their hips.