My son has tortocollis and has been seeind a physical therapist for about 5 months. Especially since he is walking now, she is working not only with his neck but also with strengthening his core (abdominal) muscles. She mentioned using pediatric orthotics to help hold his feet at appropriate angles, and that this would help his overall stance and balance. My question is for parents whose kids might have used these devices (the ones she spoke of are called SureStep). Did they help? How long did they wear them? How difficult was it to find shoes to wear with them? Any info would be great. Thank you!!
We are actually in the same boat as you, although my son is 21 months old. He sees an OT and she suggested he get orthotics. She said there is a great place called Shoe Train, 11325 Seven Locks Rd Potomac, MD. Phone: ###-###-####. The man to see is Ed and he has been helping kids for many years. I haven't been yet, but I called and they were really helpful. I hope they can steer you in the right direction!
I am a pediatric occupational therapist and a mom to two. I have worked with physical therapists who recommend these orthodics and with kids who have used/worn them. I am most familiar with AFOs or DAFOs (Ankle Foot Orthotics). From my experience, parents usually buy shoes a size larger and remove insoles. This makes room for the orthotics. Your physical therapist will probably give you an idea of how much larger to buy the shoes. I don't remember how long some of my kids wore them but I do know that they helped some of the kids tremendously! Hope this helps a little.
Hi K.,
Our almost 9-year-old son has had tortocollis since birth. He wore a custom made "helmet" to help stretch the muscles in his neck and he has worn both Dafos (dynamic ankle foot orthotics) when he first started to walk (at age 2) and Patibobs (slip in innersoles) for most of his life. (These are made by Cascade. Don't know about SureStep.)He is back in Dafos now because he is heavier and the slip-ins are no longer strong enough to keep his angles aligned. He has a PT here in Calvert Co. who has worked with him since he was 4 months old and the PTs in Physical Med. and Rehab. at Childrens. I know my child, and they know his muscles and frame. We work as a team to make decisions. My feeling is that using the orthotics is a good idea while your little one is growing and building muscles. My son has low tone so it's taking longer for him to build that important core strength your PT is working on. If the PT recommends them, get them. As far as finding shoes, we always buy relatively cheep ones because you tear out the factory innersoles to accommodate the ones you insert. Ask your PT what she recommends. Best of luck to you!
Janet D
They suggested putty my son in ortho's at age 4. He wore AFO or DAFO's. unfortunately they did not help with him. They ended up making his balance worse and causing him to fall more often. My son has CP so his brain was fighting the orthos. Its always worth trying just to see, it cant hurt.
