Seeking Ideas for Strengthing Son's Legs

Honestly, I think you should try a different PT place or therapist. Definitely look into nutrition too, but it sounds like something that needs to be addressed professionally. If you are just looking for ideas on great strengthening activities, I highly suggest horseback riding, especially English style. It may sound like it isn't much exercise, but I promise it is! I had a bone disease affecting my legs as a child, and riding was the suggestion my doc made to get my leg stregth back.

I would want answers as to why his legs are getting stiff. See if you can get him into Scottish Rite's hospital to see an orthopedic doctor.

If physical therapy wasn't successful, I would try chiropractic. I go to Dr. Kevin Smith at Trinity Family Chiropractic, ###-###-####, www.trinityfamilychiropractic.com

Get him into a kids yoga program. It will help him strengthen his legs and will keep his legs from getting stiff. It will also give him ideas of things he can do on his own when they start feeling bad to loosen them up. I know there is a kids yoga class in Coppell for kids 6 and older, don't know where you live, but it will be worth it I'm sure.

I know that aquatic exercises are really awesome for a lot of things, because they're so low impact. Maybe just getting him into a pool... and having him kick his legs in the water? But I'd definitely look into the nutrition things as well. Also, be sure he's drinking plenty of water, muscle problems can come from being dehydrated.

Good Luck,
A.

It may be something as basic as him needing to stretch before he engages in exercise. It may also be that he's nutritional deficient in things like Magnesium that are really important for preventing muscle cramping and stiffness. He may also be deficient in ATP, which is the basis for energy in the cells, which could be due to him just not consuming the right balance of healthy proteins, carbs and fats. It might be a good idea to see a nutritionist who can look at his diet and recommend appropriate supplements to address the issue. A fantastic nutritionist that my family has used is Faye Elahi: www.specialneedsnutrition.com
She is an expert on the dietary needs for children with special needs such as Autism, Celiac disease, etc., but she also is just extremely knowledgeable in general and will do a basic nutritional evaluation for your son. Things like celiac disease can be the underlying reason for a nutritional deficiency in a seemingly healthy child due to malabsorption of nutrients.

A.,
I had the same problem when I was young. I had rhemeutoid arthritis. Its a juvenile athritis that affects some kids and is more often than not grown out of by the time they are 13.
Swimming helped me the best. The problem is in the knees,not his legs or feet. There were times when I walked on my tip toes because my legs were so stiff. Sometimes my knees would become inflammed and I'd have to have them drained. My advice is to rub icy hot on his knees(and legs) every morning and night and put him in water sports. He may have to stay away from basketball,football,or soccer until he grows out of the athritis(if that is what he has).
<<The most common symptom of all types of JRA(juvenile rheumetoid athritis) is persistent joint swelling, pain, and stiffness that typically is worse in the morning or after a nap. The pain may limit movement of the affected joint although many children, especially younger ones, will not complain of pain. JRA commonly affects the knees and joints in the hands and feet. One of the earliest signs of JRA may be limping and or stiffness in the morning because of an affected knee.>>
Talk to your pedi and have him refer you to a rheumatologist if you and he/she think your son may have symptoms of rheumetoid arthritis.
Not to worry if he does...they eventually grow out of it,and its not life threatening. It just makes it hard to play sports for awhile!