Cerebral palsy is a condition of damage to the brain that occurs before, during or soon after birth. The damage can be minor or major. The symptoms that emerge are a clumsy walk, lack of balance, unclear speech on up to mental retardation. It is not a progressive medical condition.
There are several kinds of cerebral palsy, separated by movement patterns (listed below). Many children have a combination of the types.
Other names or similar foot conditions:
- Spastic CP
- Athetoid CP
- Ataxic CP
Symptoms:
- Disturbed gait
- Balance problems
- Weak leg muscles
- Shaky movements or tremor
- Muscle tightness with movement
Signs to look for:
- Diagnosis
- Spasticity
- Balance problems
- Disturbed gait
Possible Causes:
- Occurs before, during or soon after birth
Goals:
- Restore balance
- Control motion of the feet
- Improve gait
How We Help:
Arch Supports:
- BioOrthotics exercising support with metatarsal life
- Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support for use when shoes cannot accommodate the BioOrthotics exercising support
- For children, use scaphoid pads until they reach the size for the smallest prefabricated arch support
- If unable to ambulate without bracing, support is still needed. Use this progression to find what works and what is most comfortable: 1) BioOrthotic support, 2) lower and thinner support, 3) Lyncos and 4) scaphoid pads
Shoes:
- Extra depth, double or triple depth shoe with high toe box, firm heel counter, rocker sole and connecting shank
- Smart footwear, such as stable heel to toe rockers, shoes with titanium springs or rocker soles
- Avoid flip-flops. Only wear sandals with a back and only the Orthaheel, Alegria or Aetrex brand
- Avoid heels and pumps
- Go barefoot on a minimal basis only
Other:
Where the above shoes and arch supports do not provide enough stability, bracing and/or AFO, wedging or flares may be necessary
Activities:
- Regular exercise program that promotes increased strength and circulation in lower extremities
- Regular stretching program for entire body
- Rotate weight bearing exercises, such as walking or jogging, with non-weight bearing exercising, such as swimming or bicycling
This information does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition and does not take the place of a doctor’s care. The information has been compiled from sources available to the general public and referenced below. Copyright 2005-2010 Carole Romig
Sources Image: Text: A. Decker, S. Albert, Contemporary Pedorthics, D. Janisse, CPed, Editor, Introduction to Pedorthics