Pediatric orthotics - any recommendations

[devsdev]

Hi all,

My younger daughter is 15 months and has been seen by physiotherapists at the Kaleidoscope Centre in Lewisham (she was born very premature). Due to the early birth and a brain bleed she has some lasting effects on the left side of her body (amazingly minimal, which we are eternally grateful for). However she definitely needs to be seen by a specialist to be fitted for orthotics because her left foot completely collapses inward when standing (I believe it's called hyper mobility, and I'm not sure if it's linked to her bleed etc but either way it's a problem). She can pull to standing and also "push" to standing and I have her wear "high-top" bobux shoes so she has good support when out. She can cruise but can't walk independently.

Has anyone had experience with this and can you recommend a good paediatric podiatrist/orthotics specialist? Kaleidoscope is referring us internally but I fear it may take 2-3 months and I want her to be seen as soon as possible to avoid any lasting problems.

Thank you!

[Carbonara]

Can you get your GP or consultant to refer you here http://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/our-services/community-orthotics/referrals.aspx ? Or here http://www.evelinalondon.nhs.uk/our-services/community/locations/mary-sheridan.aspx

My nephew has talipes and is referred there. They are very good.

I daresay there are also waiting lists but you can ask for a cancellation if you can go at short notice.

[devsdev]

Thank you - am waiting for the referral from Kaleidoscope as to where she can go. If not I will try the GP route to one of the hospitals too. Am getting private insurance to cover a visit to The London Podiatry Centre which looks great, but insurance wont actually cover orthotics so this is really so I can get some insight and a second opinion.

Thank you for the responses (including via PM) - was suddenly hugely worried last night, but I realise she will be OK and we just need to work through it. I'm so grateful this is the worst worry we have about her! Apart from that sleeping thing...

[Gooders79]

There used to be a really good paediatric orthotist at coxs orthopaedics in Whitechapel road, his name was Stuart I don't remember his surname and don't know whether he's still there. Give them a call?

[devsdev]

Thanks Gooders - sadly doesn't pop anything on Google. Am going to try the London Podiatry Center and will also take my older one to someone called Tracy Byrne in Hackney so will report back.

Thank you!

[keane]

Kings has a good orthotics dept you can get a referral through your GP. Also fitter feet in Clapham are good but private so obviously costs involved. feel free to pms if u need more details I have 3 children with hyper mobile joints who wear orthotics.

[hellosailor]

It only took about a month on a waiting list very recently when my son was referred to paediatric orthotics at Evelina, and I should think they would prioritise your daughter.

It was Norman Taylor he saw.

We were referred through our GP.