I love your brain

One of Cole’s hips turns in enough that it effects his walking when he’s using his gait trainer. The displacement makes it seem like one leg is shorter, and it causes him to turn in circles when he walks. Without support, it’s hard for him to walk straight. As his body has grown, it’s gotten progressively more noticeable when he’s walking, partially because his step has become stronger. His physical therapist suggested we try a lift in his shoe to try to offset the hip.

Light bulb going off! Makes perfect sense, and a fairly simple solution.

So I found a pair of sneakers that are wide enough to fit his orthopedic braces, and sent the left one off to Chicago to have a special lift added to the shoe. I can’t wait to see if this works. Cole’s thrilled about the idea, and is excited to test it out. He wants nothing more than to be able to man the gait trainer without having an adult following him around as closely as they currently do (to make sure he doesn’t go in circles). It cramps his style…

I don’t know why it never occurred to me before. I have an aunt who has a lift added to one of every pair of shoes she owns because a young teen she broke her leg and grew at the same time, leaving one leg shorter. It’s not a wholly uncommon thing. Especially for people who are confined to wheelchairs and sitting and who have cerebral palsy. Hip displacement is commonplace. Cole’s already had a repair surgery and sadly will likely face a couple more as he grows and his hip becomes more turned, despite interventions.

I wish we could solve all of his orthopedic needs as easily as the shoe lift, but I’m happy to take what small victories come our way. I’m very optimistic about this and can’t wait until the revamped shoe arrives back home to its awaiting owner so he can walk the walk, wherever it takes him, more directly!