Orthopedic Appt Update

Emily had her orthopedic appointment today. At her six year check-up, the pediatrician noticed that she was walking a little pigeon-toed. We were referred to an orthopedic doctor to make sure there wasn't anything else going on and to see if there was anything we should be doing to keep it from getting worse.

She had an x-ray done and while we were waiting for the results, we hung out in the office. Emily was interested in the display of plastic knee joints that showed the various stages of arthritis. She asked Andy what they were. He answered, "They're knees." Emily said, "Knees?" Andy replied, "Yeah...from the last kids that were in here." She got this scared look on her face for a second, then realized that he was just teasing her and started laughing.

The doctor said that her feet look straight. Her joints were loose, but her hamstrings were tight. I'm not really sure if that is normal or not, but the doctor didn't seem concerned. It looks like the problem is coming from the hips. She thinks Emily will outgrow it by the time she is 12, but wants to see her once a year just to make sure her legs are straightening out on their own. Our pediatrician said that she might have to stick to tennis shoes only, but the orthopedic doctor said that Emily could wear any shoes that she wanted to wear.

So thankfully, Andy and I can forget about our worries of her becoming bowlegged. We are also very thankful that she does not need surgery. I hope this will be the end of doctor's appointments for her for awhile!