It’s the question I have heard often about Lochlan and it almost always comes from children. They notice his gait first because it is different. They then look at his braces, glance at his feet and ask, “What’s wrong with his legs?”
My answer? Nothing, I always say with a smile.
I then take the opportunity to elaborate by offering my kid appropriate answer. I ask, "do you know anyone who where's glasses? And why do they wear glasses?" I am usually met with the response, "to help them see." I agree, then explain that braces help Lochlan walk like glasses help people see.
If given the opportunity, I explain that when Lochlan was a baby, he had an ouwie on his brain and so his brain works differently than yours. His brain is different than yours, not his legs.
The adult answer, however, is this...When Lochlan was born, he experienced two separate grade IV brain bleeds. Because of that, the part of his brain that controls fine and gross motor skills—things like holding a pencil or walking—developed differently than most. His muscles receive different signals that someone who developed typically. His strength, flexibility, and balance are affected. As he has grown, he has learned to use his body in ways that compensate for areas where the neurological signals lack.
Without support, his body would naturally want to walk on the inside of his feet. Not because his feet or legs don't work, but because his brain sends different messages to his muscles. That’s where AFOs (ankle foot orthotics_ come in.
When Lochlan began standing as a two-year-old, he received his first pair of AFOs. The braces give him stability and guide his feet into better alignment. They also encourage healthy positioning as he grows. They’re not necessarily fixing legs that are wrong, they’re supporting something that’s developing differently.
Three Things I’ve Learned About AFOs
If you’re new to orthotics, here are a few practical things that have helped us:
1. Use knee-high socks.
We love JuDanzy socks. They’re one of the few brands I’ve found that don’t slide down. (They were also the only infant socks that stayed on my twins and helped keep their pulse ox in place when they were still on oxygen.)
2. Remove the shoe insert.
AFOs are bulky. Even with wide shoes, getting them in can be tough. Taking out the padded insert at the bottom of the shoe often gives just enough extra space.
3. Buy AFO-friendly shoes.
We almost exclusively use BILLY Footwear. They’re high quality, adorable, and have a zipper that goes around the entire shoe, making it much easier to get braces in and out. They even come in adult sizes.
