Re: stiff feet & exercises.

[Guest guest]

Hi, my son is now 20 months and he has stiff feet too. They are worse

whenever he grows. This is because the inner thigh tendons are too

short again and the outer ones still too slack - so my understanding

has it. Don't be alarmed this is pretty much the norm. I have this

on good authority from 's physiotherapist, who I regard is

very professional and good at her job.

Also, don't forget, if your son is in boots and bar, the babies'

ankles are also stiff from being stuck in these for 12 or more hours.

Ours would be too, regardless of CF.

We do carry out exercises on 's feet and I am COMPLETELY sold

on them as they have just proven to us that this makes a difference.

To explain, Al's left foot has been slightly in-turning and his

achilles has been reducing - we have spent 2 weeks stretching his

achilles 3 or 4 times a day and this HAS made a difference.

Exercises:

1. hold heel in one hand and place thumb in ball of the foot between

big toe and next one and stretch - work your way down to the 4th and

5th toes.

2. stretch between heel and big toe

3. use different sensitivities e.g. hot/cold; soft/scratchy on the

outer leg from knee to heel (we are dreadful and hardly do this!!!)

but understand that the idea is to stimulate the muscles rather than

get a reaction

4. tickle outer underneath of foot below little toes to get the foot

to reflex up / pulling their outer foot up

Yes no. 1 can hurt, you will have to grit your teeth and be strong.

NOT brutal - so please don't misunderstand me - not that I think you

or anyone reading this will be but better said than not.

Just to reiterate, our son falls over lots when his feet

grow, give him a week or two and he gets his balance back. This is

just one of those things.

Great to hear your son is doing so well with walking and trying to

run. These are great times, aren't they.

Best wishes

mum to

bilateral cf 10 Dec 03

> I do not usually post, but always read to keep up with everything. I

> do have a question. My son is 15 months and at his 12 month checkup

> with Dr. Frick everything was wonderful. I have noticed though that

> his feet seem to be a little stiff, especially in the morning. I don't

> know if he falls because he is trying to run now or if his feet are

> truly stiff. Again, Dr. Frick said everything looked great 3 months

> ago. Have any of you had this problem? If so, are there exercises to

> do or should I email Dr. Frick. Thanks so much in advance for your

> help!!!! A little additional info: started walking at 13 months

> and now seems to be trying to run.