Leg or Hip problems-hypotonia

pandabear12178

My 1 year old goes to see the orthopedic in 2 days since she cant yet walk and the PT recommeded orthotics. She has a brain malformation mostly on the left side, so it has really effected the right side of her body. She doesnt really bear weight on the right foot as much and the foot is turned out. She will stand if I spread her legs apart enough for her to get her balance otherwise she crosses her right foot over her left. I am wondering if this could be a hip problem more then a leg problem and what they would do for that? I guess I will find out in 2 days but I was just curious

S-Tuna

My 16-month old DS is in a similar situation. He wears AFOs (ankle foot orthotics). They seem to help keep his feet pointed straight, and I can't decide if they are helping his legs/hips. I think they are. I am worried that they aren't helping enough because his knees still point out when he tries to stand or walk. On the other hand his legs are getting more strong and straight with time. I guess I'm trying to say that the AFOs, PT, and time are helping.

Maybe your ortho will suggest starting with foot support and going from there? You'll have to come back and let us know what they say.

mopdop2000

My ds has worn afo's for almost 2 years, & orthodic shoe inserts for about 3 months before that, on recommendation of his PT. As the PP said, it takes time to see any real difference. He has hypotonia and was fit for orthodics because he subconsciously rocked back and forward when trying to stand still, and we were told that if his feet/ankles were better supported it would free that part of his subconcious mind to focus on other things. We still see a difference in his balance & stability when he's not wearing them but it's less noticable.

goldenleaves

Lauren has mild-moderate low tone in her hips so she wears hip helpers. We've already been pretty much guaranteed that she'll wear AFOs once she gets closer to walking. At this point she barely bears weight on her legs at all and her legs/feet point outward.