So we got Sean's AFO and SMO's last night and since he has had them on he has fallen at least 5 times while trying to walk, run, stairs, and play.
I know they take extra time to get use to but did this happen with your little ones?
Sean fell face first on the ground last night, granted he didn't even cry but he has a nice big red mark on his face that made me cry.
If this did happen how long did it take to get use to, or how did you get them use to them?
Thanks
Erin
7 comments:
As you know I have no experience with AFO or SMO however, my sons would have the same problem with new shoes if the soles were thicker or thinner and when going from boots to sneakers to sandles until they got used to them. Hoping Sean acclimates to them quickly w/o too many ouchies.
i don't have any experience with these, but i would imagine that there is an adjustment period with them. i hope he adjusts quickly!
We had the same issue with Daniel's SMO! In fact, he took off running in it - only to fall flat on his face less than a minute later. We started him off wearing it for only an hour or so per day, and gradually added more time until he was wearing it all day. You may want to have him wear them while you're doing PT exercises with him so that you can be close by in case he starts to fall. Do you have gym or yoga mats? If so, they can help to cushion his falls. Otherwise, a few strategically - placed pillows may do the trick. It usually doesn't take very long to get used to the orthotics, so hang in there. Good luck!
No experience with these yet- good luck, it doesn't make it any easier that they are still natually clumsy at this age anyways. PS- I wasn't able to comment earlier, but LOVED the videos!
I was always confused by this, because so many people's comments have been so positive about their braces. I HATED Sammy's brace first. He was so UNGRACEFUL in the AFO. I kept thinking why are we trying so hard for fluid movements only to get this brace that makes him so uncoordinated. But then we got his new brace (SMO on affected side and UCB insert for the other side) it was easy sailing. So I think this brace will be hard to get used to but then when he adjusts it will be easy with new braces in the future. Good luck! Can't wait to see pictures of him in them!
Avery got hers just before she turned 2 years old I think (she had only been walking for 8 months or so), so for her, the transition wasn't too bad. BUT Sean's been walking and running for what, a year and a half/2 years? I definitely think it's normal for him to be falling initially. It's a big adjustment from walking with your foot being forced in a direction you're not used to. He'll adjust. Like you said, this will probably hurt you more than him--he's so tough! Avery fell just walking in the house the other day and cried for about 10 minutes!
My daughter has been using SMO for both ankles since she was 6 months old and she adjusted very well. We just had a visit with a pedorthotic and he recommended UCB insert instead now that she is 4 years old. Depending on the level of weakness and tone abnormality different kids will have different experience. Your son probably has increased tone, whereas my daughter has decreased tone. I hope this helps.
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