Questions on AFOs in children

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Our daughter, Rui Rui (age 5) saw a new rehab doctor today and he

suggested she try AFOs. I've read good things about helios, but they

seem to be designed with adults in mind. Our doc would like to get her

in a graphite AFO, but he's not sure they come small enough for her.

Does anyone know anything about that? Any feedback on your experiences

with your CMT kids and plastic AFOs?

Rui Rui has been making steady progress on her walking, but it's still

unsteady and awkward. I have mixed feelings about going to an AFO. I

don't want it to prevent her from continuing to strengthen her feet

and legs, but if it will help her walk and run easier/faster/more

smoothly then that will give her more exercise and help strengthen her

that way too. I spoke to our neurologist about it and she just wanted

to make sure that they are hinged. Any other things I should keep in

mind before taking this step?

Sherry