Guest guest Posted September 11, 2000 Report Share Posted September 11, 2000 Diane, Hi. My daughter's leg is bent as well. She was favoring it so much that she lost her range of motion. We have just recently (this past week) taken her to a podiatrist. She was referred from our Ped. Rheumy. The pod. has decided to make an insert for her shoe. It will be on the leg opposite the leg with JRA in it. He says that it will " force " her to use her bent knee and straighten it out. I would definately just talk to your doc about it. Tell him/her your concerns and inform yourself, whether it be through reading at the library or the internet or whatever! good luck! Hugs, Angie >From: dbornscheu@... >Reply- egroups > egroups >Subject: bent leg >Date: Mon, 11 Sep 2000 13:37:53 EDT > >Hi- > > My daughter's leg doesn't straigten out, even on her best days. She >has >a doctor's appointment this week and I'm going to talk to the doctor about >it. I'm afraid she'll have permanent damage if something isn't done about >it >now. I was just wondering what can be done? Splints? Exercise? Anybody >have experience with this? > >Diane _________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at http://profiles.msn.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2000 Report Share Posted September 11, 2000 Diane, 's leg doesn't straighten out either. The rheumy hasn't mentioned anything about PT , which I'm surprised . He wants us to exercise the leg. On our next visit I will mention PT since the cartilige in the knee is also worn. Teri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2000 Report Share Posted September 11, 2000 Diane & Teri, When Kelsey was first diagnosed her knees would not straighten out either, which seemed to be of concern to her rheumatologist. She started PT immediately, which was in April, and now her knees are about 99% straight. I had noticed it, and of course it bothered me, but now that she is straightening her legs out almost completely again I can tell a huge difference...she looks alot taller! I would definitely ask about PT, it really helped Kelsey. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2000 Report Share Posted September 11, 2000 - Your daughter's only three, isn't she? At what age did she start PT? 's 17 mos. I'm just wondering what kind of PT a baby that age can do? Diane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2000 Report Share Posted September 11, 2000 Diane, Yes, Kelsey is only 3. Her birthday is March 24 and she was diagnosed in April, and started PT the same day. They have all kinds of things they do with kids in PT, and they work with infants as well. More than likely you would be referred to a pediatric PT. For Kelsey's knees, other than in the pool for therapy, they play all sorts of games and incorporate the exercise into the play, for example Kelsey likes to paint so they put the paints on a table, the easel up at the top of some stairs (stairs they build for exercise purposes) and each time she changes colors she has to go down the stairs and back up again, which really works her legs. They have her walk on her tip toes alot, too. Anyway, I'm sure they would have a PT plan suitable for just about any age. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2000 Report Share Posted September 11, 2000 My daughter had a contracture(the bant is called that). It could not straighten or bend all the way. the DR was the one to pick it up. We put a splint on everynight and passive pt everyday. We then injected her knee with cortisone, put a splint on for two days and she could straighten it again. The forts thing she did with her new mobility was to jump off the couch. You would never know that her leg had a contracure today. Good Luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2000 Report Share Posted September 11, 2000 the muscles and ligaments in her leg may have shortened because of improper use, if that leg hurt her and she pampered it or favored her other leg. she could also have broken cartilidge, and 2 pieces are caught on each other preventing her from straightening it out. _________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at http://profiles.msn.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2000 Report Share Posted September 11, 2000 - Thanks for the info. I didn't realize PT could be so creative for small children. Sounds like its worth a try (of course your subsequent post re: the insurance and cost is not very encouraging -- Good luck!!) Diane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2000 Report Share Posted September 11, 2000 Thanks for the encouraging info on this subject. Diane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2000 Report Share Posted September 11, 2000 Diane, Don't let the insurance and cost issue I'm having discourage any thoughts you have about PT. I'm going to make some calls tomorrow and find out what may be available... there is a place close by called Easter Seals that provides PT along with lots of other services, but I don't know much about it yet. Either way, from all I've learned from watching the therapists work with Kelsey I plan to continue it myself, although I'm not trained. I just know its important to keep her moving and active. Good luck, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2000 Report Share Posted September 11, 2000 Dianne i will tell you this melissas leg was bent this is something you do need to fix the muscle will shorten and then theres where the damage starts melissa had to start P T then she was put in a cast then taken out of that more PT once the leg is straightened back out she will have to sleep in the splint for a week or two then only when she hurts i didnt know it was bad for the leg to be bent now melissa walks with no wheelchair or crutches the only thing i see is when she is hurting her foot will turn out and the PT said if she starts bending the leg again to use the splint since your going to the dr please stress to him about it Robbin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2000 Report Share Posted September 11, 2000 the knee muscles and tendons are what is damaged when this is not taken care of Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 12, 2000 Report Share Posted September 12, 2000 Hi, My son has had this problem in certain of his joints, usually only when his systemic arthritis is flaring. Contractures, I think it's called, which can be a bit frightening as it doesn't allow for full range of motion. Very stiff and rigid. Painful to exercise, though necessary to do so. In my son's case it hasn't been limited to just one particular joint, which might have perhaps caused more destructive damage? It affected one joint for a time and then seemed to move on to another. At different periods of time his fingers, wrists, elbows, neck, back, knees, ankles and toes have been affected. He was fitted for wrist splints a few years back to help with this but lately, his wrists haven't been experiencing any problems. Last exam showed a 10% contracture in one elbow. Josh hadn't mentioned any pain or difficulty from this. We hadn't even noticed it, in fact. In the past it has at times been so pronounced in his elbow that it was visibly bent out of shape and he had difficulty dressing, combing his hair, eating with his right hand ... doing lots of regular tasks that we took for granted before the JRA. We used latex bands (given to us by the PT) for him to gently exercise with and since we've always found that water exercise is the most comfortable for him we went warm-water swimming more often. Seemed to work itself out, in time. Actually, it seemed to move around and settle somewhere else instead. That seems to have been a pattern for 's JRA. Take care, Georgina > Hi- > > My daughter's leg doesn't straigten out, even on her best days. She has > a doctor's appointment this week and I'm going to talk to the doctor about > it. I'm afraid she'll have permanent damage if something isn't done about it > now. I was just wondering what can be done? Splints? Exercise? Anybody > have experience with this? > > Diane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 13, 2000 Report Share Posted September 13, 2000 Dianne My daughter Chyanne has been in pt since she was 3 months old because of multiple medical problems. So if your child is 17 months there is exercises that help your child. They do therapy based on play so the kids dont even realize that they are exercising. Charlene(chychys mom) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 14, 2000 Report Share Posted September 14, 2000 Hi everyone! My daughter 4 1/2 was also given an insert in her shoes last year, to counter the effects of favoring one leg over the other " bent " leg. We spoke with the arthritis foundation in the city which her ped ruehmy is...they were able to mould her foot and provide a wonderful insole for a reasonable cost. All I can say is that she did eventually outgrow the insole but it did wonders for her balance. Also wanted to mention that goes to a chiropractor for her arthritis, which helps her beyond words. It is such a visual difference, that she can go into his office knees bent, and come out nearly straight legged! We have mentioned this to her ped ruehmy and he was very open minded re: alternative practices. The thing about the chiropractor we use is that he doesn't " manually " adjust in any way. Meaning no bones cracking. He uses a little tool called an activator, this allows him to use controlled pressure to put her joints back into alignment. Just a suggestion I'm passing along... As for 's symptoms they are nearly non-existent at this time. takes 7.5 ml of prednisone daily and 5mg of methotrexate weekly. She had her vision checked again Aug 28th and we are very happy that all is well. She started back to school (Sr.K) after Labour Day. I was concerned about the increase in physical activity but it seems to have helped to keep her more flexible. I haven't posted much lately, just trying to keep up on the emails. I am so grateful to have found this group! Take Care G >From: " Angie Silver " <jaadsilver@...> >Reply- egroups > egroups >Subject: Re: bent leg >Date: Mon, 11 Sep 2000 14:34:25 EDT > > >Diane, > >Hi. My daughter's leg is bent as well. She was favoring it so much that she >lost her range of motion. We have just recently (this past week) taken her >to a podiatrist. She was referred from our Ped. Rheumy. The pod. has >decided >to make an insert for her shoe. It will be on the leg opposite the leg with >JRA in it. He says that it will " force " her to use her bent knee and >straighten it out. > >I would definately just talk to your doc about it. Tell him/her your >concerns and inform yourself, whether it be through reading at the library >or the internet or whatever! good luck! > >Hugs, >Angie > > >From: dbornscheu@... > >Reply- egroups > > egroups > >Subject: bent leg > >Date: Mon, 11 Sep 2000 13:37:53 EDT > > > >Hi- > > > > My daughter's leg doesn't straigten out, even on her best days. She > >has > >a doctor's appointment this week and I'm going to talk to the doctor >about > >it. I'm afraid she'll have permanent damage if something isn't done >about > >it > >now. I was just wondering what can be done? Splints? Exercise? >Anybody > >have experience with this? > > > >Diane > >_________________________________________________________________________ >Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. > >Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at >http://profiles.msn.com. > _________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at http://profiles.msn.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 14, 2000 Report Share Posted September 14, 2000 HI , I am new here and I have to say my heart goes out to all of you. My daughter is 17 1/2. She was diagnosed in 95. Things got worse from there, first a sore elbow, then an inflamed knee. Now she misses school each week because it is to painful to walk. The DR has ordered a wheelchair for her. I feel like crying, The worst thing, is not being able to " make it al better " Good Luck and God bless all of you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 15, 2000 Report Share Posted September 15, 2000 Hello, and welcome to the group. This group has really helped me see my daughter's jra in a different light, and hearing others share their experiences with jra has helped give us a huge sense of hope. What type of jra does your daughter have? What kind of treatments is she taking, any medicines or physical therapy? I still feel like crying alot too, its hard to see your child in pain and not be able to do things other kids their age do sometimes, or they can do it but can't keep up sometimes. My daughter is 3 years old, just diagnosed this past april with polyarticular jra. She is taking Naprosyn and has been going to physical therapy. I hope this group will be of as much help to you as it has been to me. I also hope things for your daughter will start to get better soon and that the doctor can find a treatment plan to help her. Best wishes, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 15, 2000 Report Share Posted September 15, 2000 Dear Teri, I haven't seen survey number 1. >From: THep115@... >Reply- egroups > egroups >Subject: Re: bent leg >Date: Fri, 15 Sep 2000 09:39:38 EDT > >, > Have you filled out survey # 1 ? If you get a chance it sure would be >helpful. > Thanks, > Teri > >For links to websites with JRA info visit: >http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Village/8414/Links.html > _________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at http://profiles.msn.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 15, 2000 Report Share Posted September 15, 2000 , Have you filled out survey # 1 ? If you get a chance it sure would be helpful. Thanks, Teri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 15, 2000 Report Share Posted September 15, 2000 Gee, as to what type of JRA she has, I don't know. I am sure I was told, but when we found out what it was, I kinda went numb. is taking Plaquenil, Folic Acid, Prednisone, Esprin, Methotrexate, gives herseld Enbrel shots 2 times a week. She has been started on a new medication to help her not lose so much hair. Oh, Vicodine and valium for the pain. We are going to see about accupressure/puncture on Monday. Nothing seems to really help so far. As to therapy, any exercise seems to bring on a flare up. I have a question, are any of your children cold a lot? is cold most of the time, no matter howhot it is. They have done several blood tests and find nothing abnormal there. Thanks again Marcie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 17, 2000 Report Share Posted September 17, 2000 Hello Terri I also haven't seen survey #1, please forward and i would be glad to fill it out and forward it back to you. Thanks G >From: " W and C Price " <immasche@...> >Reply- egroups > egroups >Subject: Re: bent leg >Date: Fri, 15 Sep 2000 09:10:36 PDT > >Dear Teri, I haven't seen survey number 1. > > > >From: THep115@... > >Reply- egroups > > egroups > >Subject: Re: bent leg > >Date: Fri, 15 Sep 2000 09:39:38 EDT > > > >, > > Have you filled out survey # 1 ? If you get a chance it sure would be > >helpful. > > Thanks, > > Teri > > > >For links to websites with JRA info visit: > >http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Village/8414/Links.html > > > >_________________________________________________________________________ >Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. > >Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at >http://profiles.msn.com. > _________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at http://profiles.msn.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.