I took William to the orthopedic because we noticed that he walks/runs with his feet turned inward. This is more of a recent occurrence within the last year or so. We wanted the doc's advice since we weren't sure if we should be concerned about it. I really liked this doc. He was very friendly and promised William that he would NEVER get shots from coming to see him. =) He had William walk and run down the hall so he could observe his feet. Then he had William sit on the examining table with his feet dangling. Doc turned his legs in a few different directions and then had him lay on his tummy. He told William to bring his feet up while bending at the knees and bent his legs out and into an X. Both of these things took less than a minute to do and Doc said there were 2 things to note:
1. Normally, when we sit with our feet dangling, our feet naturally turn out at 15 degrees. So when we walk/run, our feet straighten themselves out. William's feet rest straight out. So when he walks/runs, his feet turn inward. This tells him that the large bones in the lower part of his legs are twisted. He said this most likely was caused in utero and typically works itself out on its own. Doc said his feet may get worse before they get better and encouraged us not to allow him to W-sit or sit on his knees. Neither will make the condition worse, but will just prolong the twist in his lower legs.
2. Most people when laying on their stomachs with their feet up at the knees, can turn their legs and make Xs farther than they can bend them out. (sorry... I know that's confusing.) William can do the opposite. His legs bend out much farther than he can bend them inwards to make an X. This tells the doc that the large bones in William's upper legs are also twisted. This also was most likely caused in utero and should typically work itself out on his own. But the taller he grows, the better it will straighten out. The shorter he is, the less likely it'll be able to straighten itself out. Only time will tell. Let's hope he takes after Bill cuz he ain't got no chance if he's got my genes for height.
Doc said that playing sports that put weight on William's feet will be the most beneficial for him (i.e. anything with lots of running, jumping, etc.) He can do sports like swimming and biking, but they won't do anything to help with straightening his bones since they don't put weight on his feet. Doc recommended that we be sure to have him participate in sports that will put weight on his feet. Uhhh... William? Playing sports?
Doc said he would like to see us back in a year to see how William's legs are progressing. If there's a lot of improvement and we are no longer concerned, Doc said not to worry about coming back. But if it's getting worse or we still have concerns then we should return next year. We're just glad that William doesn't need physical therapy! I guess we'll be waiting a year and seeing how he does... and maybe trying to do more sports with him. =P Neither Bill or I are sporty people. God help him if he should learn to play sports from either one of us...
Just a note though.... I will NEVER schedule William for 3 doctors' appointments 3 days in a row. I thought he would be ok not taking naps (since we have school in the mornings), but he was a total train wreck by this 3rd day. It's good to know that William still needs to take his naps. He doesn't nap every day, but probably most days during the week. I am grateful and amazed that he still needs them!
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