Re: Heal cord lengthing surgery....

December 28, 2001

I've had club feet when I was born and had surgery as well. There was

a time where I was walking on the side of my foot rather than the

bottom. So I went to my orthopedic specialist and he prescribed some

braces to support my ankles. THere are days when I don't feel like

wearing them, and my feet HURT. So I am thankful to have these

braces. They did take time getting used to. I also have wheelchair

and cruthes. just in case I need them. THey have recently added an

insert in my shoe for a lift, because one leg is longer than the

other. just a fraction of an inch and it has helped termedously!

a

>

> First off, I was born w/ club feet, after that was fixed,Then my

heels came up. Well, I had a heel cord lengthing surgery, and it only

worked for my right foot. When I was about 14, I had a chunk of bone

taken from the top part of my left foot(the right one was flat

footed). The surgery took it down to about 88 degrees. The point is,

it's NOT at a 90 degree angle. So I can't walk a long distance w/out

crutches. Does anyone know if a heal cord lengthing surgery would

help me now(Im 18). I want to walk w/out crutches, AND I don't want

to have to have to use a wheel-chair(I use it for long distances b/c

my feet get tired.)Even if that surgery won't work, are there any

others? I wanted to get it done before my graduation(May 31,2002) Any

help would be greatly appreciated!!!

>

> Always,

>

> " Life is love, Love is beautiful, inturn, Life is beautiful "

>

> ---------------------------------

>

December 28, 2001

,

Have you tried custom made shoes? I've had a similar problem and I

wear shoes that have orthotics in them. The orthotic is made from a

cast of your foot and will, in a sense, provide the " wedge " that you

need for your heel (and the entire surface of your bare foot) to

contact the ground.

They are expensive - however, a good medical insurance policy should

pay for them if you can get a prescription.

Randy Bradford

Port A WA