Information on ClubFeet in Black and White

Becky B's Story

Hi.

I came here looking for advice because I'm taking my daughter to her orthopedic doctor this morning to discuss her legs being two different lengths. He's a very non-chalant and quick-talking doctor and didn't even want her to get physical therapy. He's been her dr since she was 4 days of age. They did the casting and surgery to move the tendon when she was younger.

I'm a little scared and don't know what to expect today. I read some great advice here from "Doreen", which I really appreciated. I'm normally a positive person, but this just has me down as I want to make sure the doctor is looking out for my daughter's best interest, but I don't want my daughter to undergo any pain either.

The worst part so far about this situation has been the shoes! She's at the point where she cares about her looks more, and we are trying to stay positive about the shoe choices and not always being able to buy two pairs of shoes (cost).

I'd like more information if anyone has it on what the options are about getting her legs to be the same or close to the same length, and how important it is in her future.

I have a younger daughter with more serious special needs, and I've found that talking with people familiar with her situation is a lot of help. I was so glad to find this site so that I can read about others going through things with club feet.

Thanks for the site.

Becky

Comments

Comment added by : Steve Fodor on the 08 Nov 2007 at 09:36am
I'm age 52 and at age 11 had my leg stretched 3 inches. A millimeter at a time. It kept my legs closer in length with my ankle fused downwards. I have a 6 inch difference. Leg Lengthening is possible. I was 2nd person at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital to have procedure. Get a referral to a big City Hospital and Clinic. More Cases and Experience. Join a church and Masons or Knights of Columbus,etc..They might be able to help you and your child get shoes and treatments. My family didn't.
At age 14 bad Special shoes made me go to normal shoes in rebellion. A good shoemaker later changed a lot of my life. For women it is maybe worse. Good luck
Comment added by : michele croes on the 08 Apr 2007 at 18:54pm
i am a woman of 37 years with a left clubfoot. my mother died the same day is was born. but as a girl what i would like to say is that please tell your daughter be proud of who she is and never be embarressed. i remember as a teen i would not go to parties of because i felt ashmed that could not wear nice shoes under a dress. typical teen situation that was hard for my father. now i look at it i laugh because of how stupid i was and making my father live misaberable. just be there for your daughter that is all that matters. and if you have any gut feeling of your doctor, there are better ones. allways go with your gutfeeling.
Comment added by : Joe Barry on the 27 Jan 2007 at 00:28am
If you live in the USA look to go to The Shriners Hospital. They have a great website. Shriners.com


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