Orthopedic Specialist - Anyone Been Through This?

Don't be worried... this is for your daughters well being and future, this is a POSITIVE thing. I've been to orthopedic specialists a million times because I can't stop breaking bones (call me 'grace'... or NOT!)... They have really different braces now that can generally be worn under clothes or at night. These doctors understand how hard it is to get kids in braces and keep them there. Be thankful if a brace is recommended, and not surgery. Most physical therapy places offer after hours appointments for those who work, and if you get the okay from your doctor, a lot of times you can do the PT at home. Just keep reminding yourself that this is a good thing :) Can you imagine going through this if she was older, like 8 or 9?! Be proud of yourself for taking care of it now, it will all work out :) Best wishes and good luck at that appointment!! :)

One step at a time. You're already trying to foresee the future. Wait until you have the evaluation to KNOW what you will have to do. Don't start making assumptions. You're starting to freak out before you know what's really going on.

My husband wore braces for being pigeon toed. He isn't scarred. When he was old enough to ride a bike, he rode it ALL OF THE TIME and his legs/feet self corrected and he no longer had to wear the braces. His feet still turn in when he is tired though.

Find a Webster Chiropractor and have her checked by that doc.
best, k

My son was born with a club foot and he had to wear a brace, but only at night when he slept. With her being so much older, it might just be physical therapy, which they will make it something fun for your daughter along with correcting her legs. It's better to get it done now then when she is a lot older.

Too bad you live in Tampa. We have a godlike pediatric podiatrist here in the south Fl area. Why don't you look for one up there. I found with my daughter that orthopedists are not concerned with the way they walk and as long as they are not falling down, they really can't do anything. That all changed when we went to the podiatrist. He casted both legs (one a t a time) and she walked on each for tow weeks while casted then had PT for about 2 months. She is close to perfect now and no pain! Different practice/different results!

We go to Dr. Bradley in Tampa - @ St. Joseph's. He came highly recommended - although we are going there for a different reason - my daughter broke her elbow. There are all kinds of articles on the walls about his partner (sorry - don't remember his name) being a specialist with scoliosis and hips etc... When we were in the elivator - someone asked my daughter about her cast and said "go upstairs....Dr. Bradley's office is the best". 2nd.....I used to manage a children's shoe store in Naples, years ago. What I can tell you about hips, legs and feet is this....that when corrective measures have to be made - the sooner the better! The longer they grow and walk and play with everything out of alignment - the longer it will take to correct it. There are other options to braces - like buying "welt construction" shoes, and having a real honest to goodness old fashioned type of shoe repair guy open the sole up and stitch in a wedge - that makes the foot rotate the other direction when walking. If it's a brace - then just follow the Dr.s orders - it goes by really quickly! (the longer they wear the brace every day the faster the remedy!) Good luck!