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Our clubfoot cutie was nearly six months old when she transitioned into boots and bar. Addison had a growing sturdy body, but isty bitsy teeny tiny feet. We were anxiously awaiting the removal of her last cast to move into Mitchell boots. While families are provided the option at our surgeon’s office to order their bracing independently, many purchase through the clinic’s friendly orthotist. We went this route as it seemed to be the norm and, at the time, I did not truly understand the value of having the support of an orthotist. I had spent countless nights researching ways to “wear in” the boots, types of padding, and comparing different styles of socks. I considered myself to be quite the expert, as I was making up for a rocky start with our casting journey. I thought I was prepared. Unfortunately, due to my daughter’s unusual size difference between her legs and feet, our transition quickly went sideways. We had great difficulty holding down our daughter’s feet correctly and sores, including pressure sores, quickly developed.
Addison the night before transitioning into her brace after her last cast from tenotomy, excited and prepared for the transition.
It was during these transitional weeks that we became “best friends” with our orthotist. At a time when our morale was low, she provided us with the positive thinking, experience, knowledge, and creative solutions we needed. We had nearly daily conversations and numerous appointments for alterations adding extra padding, moving buckles, using sheepskin and introducing silicone pieces. Each appointment she greeted us with care and comfort. Our daughter’s comfort was a top priority. She worked in continued consultation with our orthopedic surgeon and tried to find solutions that were practical and economical.
Addison’s excess tissue surrounding her tiny feet, which causes difficulty bracing.
While we eventually decided to go the route of custom AFO’s, I felt we had exhausted all the other options having also tried other styles of boots. To this day, I am so grateful we have the assistance of an orthotist for our clubfoot journey. They are full of knowledge and passion for helping children with joint and limb conditions and are available to help their families make bracing a comfortable routine. An orthotist’s practical hands-on experience when paired with a Ponseti trained pediatric orthopedic surgeon is the dream team.
Addison showing off her new custom AFO’s (please note the required bar is not attached in this picture as was during our transition period).
While we hope clubfoot.ca provides parents with the information they need to have success during the cast to brace transition, we also value the role of professionals in this journey. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
