Achilles tendon start?

This morning while running around waiting for the bus, Joshua, 7, started running with stiffer legs and his heels were close, but not touching
the ground. To many of you who have already been through this, is this
the first sign of the achilles problem? If so, I need all the info I
can to slow it down!!!

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Anna (Ankie) Groenewoud on September 28, 2010 at 4:14pm

My grandson has a special reclining board that his father made for him and he stands on it 2/day to stretch his tendons.
He stands on it for about 15mins each time and then gets his skittles as a reward.His Mom notices that his heels will touch the board after about 12 mins.When he walks he is on his toes a lot so your son 's tendons seem still looser than his.
Another option is for your son to stand on the bottom step of the staircase with his heels hanging over the edge so that his foot is forced down to flatten out and stretch the tendon.
At night he also wears a foot/leg brace to keep his foot as straight as possible during the night.He's not crazy about this option and takes them off when he can,but its worth a try for your son.
A rainbow is just around the corner .Keep praying and optimistic that all will be well for our boys!!!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by jenn on September 28, 2010 at 4:54pm

stretch :)

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Nicole M on October 1, 2010 at 5:00pm

Wow,
I am in the same boat.
My son is 7 as well and has recently started to exhibit the same signs.
Our team has now made casts for his braces and he will start wearing them as soon as there available.
We also are doing alot of stretching and praying that these measures will slow it down.
I am trying to figure out how to make a wedge (like the one used in the parent project video) so that my son can stand and stretch his legs on his own without mommy always hovering.
If anyone has any suggestions for how to make one that would be great.
Good luck with your son

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Joshua's mom on October 1, 2010 at 5:30pm

Hi Nicole,

Laurie just gave a link on facebook for one. It looks as though it would be cheaper to buy than make!

Take care,
Naomi

http://www.amazon.com/Medela-Nursing-Stool/dp/B000056JIH/ref=sr_1_1...

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Nicole M on October 1, 2010 at 5:51pm

You guys are great.
Thanks

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Liisa Underwood on October 1, 2010 at 9:36pm

Connor is 5. His PT said that it is normal for kids to have some running on toes. Watch out for the walking heel to toe movement. The wedge works great for Connor and night splints are great too. Hang in there!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Liisa Underwood on December 10, 2010 at 6:01pm

So...we are seeing the beginnings of toe walking...ugh! PT wants to put dynamic AFO's on so that either they'll stretch him all night a little past 90 degrees and/or have them stretch him past 90 degress 2-3 times a day for several minutes PLUS the wedge. The biggest change since I initally posted my notes is that he is now on growth hormone shots and has grown at least 1/4 inch in 2 months. Maybe too fast for the muscle...

Liisa Underwood said:

Connor is 5. His PT said that it is normal for kids to have some running on toes. Watch out for the walking heel to toe movement. The wedge works great for Connor and night splints are great too. Hang in there!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Joshua's mom on December 10, 2010 at 11:20pm

We bumped up physio from twice to three times per day at school and the tip toe running has receded. I don't know too much of the effects of growth hormones since it isn't an option in Canada, but I can understand the effect growing too fast could entail. I hope his body adapts to the fast growing soon. Keep us posted.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Tamara Walters on February 9, 2011 at 3:15pm

Night splints made a huge difference for our son, even better than stretching with a wedge. The night splints were pretty easy to get used to, he only complains a little.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Joshua's mom on July 17, 2011 at 10:24pm

Last month, at Joshua's appointment, we were told that his tendons were tightening, but the increased physio did help a great deal. So well that he has graduated to a bigger bicycle! Warm baths, spa mats, and a rub before bed every night has made a difference too.