Running

I recently met a small group of moms online who's children have the exact same combination of needs as Matthew. They all have clubfoot with nerve damage or neuromuscular clubfeet. It has been absolutely wonderful to chat with them as they are a wealth of knowledge having already seen Dr Dobbs, as well as the feeling of comradeship. I started to wonder if I was giving anything back to them as Matthew is the oldest of the group and has had the most 'work' done.

In the process of chatting with them, they have read some of my blog and were happy to read that Matthew not only runs, but plays soccer and does everything that other kids do. I realized that I needed to show them how well he functions so they can see how their own children may one day be as well. Yay! Feels good to give back to them!

So, here it is girls, here is Matthew running all out this morning racing his brother in the gym of the school. (Matthew is in the red shirt)


Alright, don't blast me, I know what I am going to say sounds selfish. He looks great running, can keep up with other kids, is doing fantastic. But... (there's always a but isn't there?)

Here is another angle of him running. If you watch carefully, you can see where he is compensating. He swings his arms with as much force as he can as well as both of his feet are now turning to the left of the screen because of the regression.

Don't get me wrong, I am thrilled that he is able to compensate and run and play soccer and do everything an average 6 yr old can. I am also relieved that we are going to see Dr Dobbs and find out what needs to be done to stop this regression and get him on the right track. If he is compensating this much at 6, I can only imagine what his gait will look like after puberty without intervention.