By Paul Forrest on Thursday, October 28, 2004 - 03:03 pm:

Our daughter is 23 months old & does not walk at all, or stand yet, without assistance. Does anyone in the group have suggestions on what might help progress her to walking? We have a frame that we strap her into, given to us by a hospital physio, but it completely stops any movement in the lower limbs, as it is meant just to help with her growth. Any experiences or tips members could share?

By Michelle Castle on Thursday, October 28, 2004 - 05:42 pm:

Paul,
I hope you get some responses here. But if not, you might try some of the other related websites.

http://www.hypermobility.org/phpBB2
http://www.ednf.org (requires membership)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hypermobility
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ehlers-danlos-syndrome/

Michelle

By Az on Thursday, October 28, 2004 - 08:15 pm:

Hi Paul,
Dont have a child myself, but my stepson has cerbral pasly and he was able o walk for a while as a toddler using an ordenary stroller. Though this wasnt initially recommended as a good idea by the medics as it can cause bad walking habits it had the opposite effect with him. At the time he had laxer limbs/muscles it wasnt until he reached around 5/6 that his muscles became spastic, so this could help, but it is all trial and error.
Another suggestion is to try see a podiatrist and see if she can be fitted with orthotics to help support her more. I would be a little wary of putting her in leg braces just yet as she needs time for her muscles to build naturally and braces would take over and her muscles would not develop fully causing future problems. Piedro boots may be suggested for her, if they are snap them up as they are the best type of footwear for any growing child.
Try contacting the Lady Hoare Trust too. This is a charity for children with joint disorders and can be very helpful and give a lot of advice on what is available for your child. www.ladyhoaretrust.org.uk

By Paul Forrest on Wednesday, November 03, 2004 - 02:57 am:

Thanks for these suggestions - more advice welcome though!