foot correction

Soph13F

I hope this is the right board to post this question.  My LO is 15 months old and has been walking on the outside of his foot since he started walking.  It's not super noticeable, but you can tell that he is.  I've always figured it was just him learning how to walk, but it's been about 5-6 months now and he still walks this way.  His affected foot is alittle less chunky than the other.  I can tell by the way his shoes fit.  Size 5 fit the affected foot perfectly while they're difficult to get on his other foot.  I'm starting to notice his toes changing shape now too.  I took him to the family doctor and they believe he has a slight club foot due to positioning, and want to just continue monitoring it thinking it'll straighten out on it's own.  I can see a visible difference in his feet even while not walking, and it bugs me they just want to waste more time.  Am I wrong for wanting them to refer us sooner rather than later?  If his walking has not changed in the last 6 months, what is 3-5 more months of monitoring going to do except drag it out even longer?

Soph13F

I should add that the major reason they wont refer us now is because it has not affected him developmentally.  I know most people wouldn't even notice he's doing this unless they watched him walk barefoot and looked for it, but I don't want it getting worse.  I'd rather hear from a specialist if treatment is needed now or not. Has anyone else dealt with this?

aiche Umm Ayoub

sounds like me when I was a child I had club feet and was made to wear special boots that helped straighten my feet . If you feel it is affecting him get a second option from another doctor sometimes you have to stand up and fight for your child . It took me changing doctors until someone would listen to me about my daughter she has Mood disorder and SPD and no one would believe me I just kept bugging them until I got the help and support she needed

Smallstar

I'm a little late to respond so I hope you see this! My son was diagnosed with unilateral clubfoot in utero so we began treatment when he was 16 days old. Based on what you've posted, it sounds like your son could have a mild case of clubfoot. I would definitely see a Ponseti trained orthopedist who can evaluate him and begin treatment.

The Ponseti method is non-surgical and corrects the alignment of the foot through a series of casts. Once the foot is aligned properly, the doctor will most likely need to perform a tenotomy (clipping the achilles tendon to lengthen it) and your son would need to wear a brace for several years to reduce the chance of a relapse. If you see a doctor who recommends surgery other than the tenotomy to correct his foot, run!

The Ponseti website has a ton of information and lists providers by location. We see Dr. Herzenberg in Baltimore who I would HIGHLY recommend if you're on the East Coast. 

https://www.ponseti.info/patients-and-parents/find-a-pia-preferred-provider/list-of-pia-preferred-providers.html

There's also a yahoo group for parents that has been a great source of information for my husband and myself. The parents on there can provide doctor recommendations in your area too. 

https://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/nosurgery4clubfoot/ 

Definitely trust your instincts and seek a second opinion. Good luck and please feel free to message me if you have any questions!