A new Chapter...

Today really started a new chapter in our lives - especially Carter's. At his 4 year well-check last year, we casually mentioned to the doctor that Carter has been walking primarily on his toes. I never actually thought this was a really big deal - lots of kids do it. But, thought we should mention it. Ack! Apparently it's a BIG deal! Lots of kids do toe-walk...but it's something they should completely outgrow by about their 3rd birthday. So, into investigation mode we went. Carter saw several doctors, and started going to physical therapy once a week for an hour. We've been doing this for about 5 months now.

He has been a lot better! His therapist tells us he met 4/5goals by his 16th visit with her - basically being able to walk a flight of stairs and alternate steps (not take one step leading with the same foot), and his muscles/tendons are all stretched to normal limits. However, his 5th goal was to walk on his heels over 80% of the time. FAIL. He only does this on average of 30% of the time, and needs reminded a lot!

To avoid potential damage to his posture (he tends to stick his butt out a teeny bit when he stands - a big sign of problems) and to keep his legs in good working order we needed to take another step. We got several opinions, and they ranged from getting braces to force the tendons into position to surgery - where he'd have both legs in casts for 2-3weeks.

We also had him tested for sensory perception and general wellness for his age group. He passed it all!

Overall, it was decided to try these orthotic braces. So, today we went to have them made. They told me on the phone that the appointment would take an hour. However, we were in and out in about 20minutes. Carter got a sock on his feet, and then the tech wrapped his legs and feet with fiberglass and put his leg into position. The casts hardened, and she cut them off. She asked Carter what color he wanted (he chose red) and sent us on our way. Now they are off to be molded and he gets them officially on April 20th.

Here he is with the sock on - the yellow strip is a spacer with a groove in it - she used it to cut off the cast. Carter was interested and asked what everything was.

Here he is waiting for the cast to harden. He insisted on "posing" for the pic! 

Here she is cutting it off. The cast she slit with a knife...but the sock she cut off with scissors. You can tell by the look on his face that he isn't quite sure about that. He never cried though, or complained! 

We went for ice cream after! :)

The braces will go under his foot and up the back of his legs. You can see where the mold ends right under his knee. The tech told us that the first few days are a bit hard, but after that kids get used to them really fast. He will always wear shoes with them - so, we'll be buying a few new pairs to wear inside only (we're a no shoes house!). We'll wait and see if he needs a bigger size or not...