Shar's Story
my son daughter has club feetMy 14 year old son was born with a right club foot. I know that I should be very grateful that that was all it was, and I do admit the feeling of selfishness in the beginning. He had his first of many casts put on at 5 days old and his first and only surgery to date at 5 and 1/2 months old. The surgery was to splice and stretch the achillies tendon and insert a pin the length of his foot. He wore one last cast after that surgery then at about 8yrs. he wore the boots with the bar for 8months but only at bed time. To this point he really doesn't complain, much. Until about 3years ago he played softball for 7 years and then dropped it with no real reason. As time went on I think I have figured it to be from pain but he really didn't say much about it until recently. This year (grade 9) we had to get a note from his physician asking to be excused from all running during gym class. Both of his feet are flat and on numerous occassions his orthopedic surgeon has recommended we put him into some arch supports, but I am getting a little fed up with this idea. We have tried several pairs and might I add they are not cheap only to find they break and really do nothing to support the ankle. My son is by no means a small child and we are finding that the greatest amount of pain comes with growth spurts. So far the only thing we have found the help with the pain is an anti inflamatory, massage and a good ankle wrap or elastic support. We have been seeing the same orthopedic specialist every 5 months since birth only to get no real feed back on what his future may hold. The one foot is 2 sizes smaller, wider and the leg calf is noticable smaller. I guess my real concern is that where his ankle bone should be it looks caved in and just not normal and when I inquire all I get is it's looks good, it looks good. Height, weight checked, leg measured appointment done in about 2-5 minutes (no questions answered) see ya in another 5 months. Should I have cancelled the last appointment????? Well, I did and I don't know if I have done the right thing or not. Sorry if this seems so long, but it's some of the 14years of frustration we have all be dealing with. Would be great to hear some responses, ideas or thoughts. Sincerely, MOM
Added on 12 Nov 2007