Walking - Burley,ID

My two year old broke her leg (I know, not the same age), but she didn't want to walk either. We carried her sometimes, but we wanted her to walk herself as well. I was very worried about that, but the DR said that I can't make her walk, but encourage her. Don't break your back. Give him some time to get used to the new cast, and MAYBE the less you help the more he'll want to help himself. You never know... I just say don't rush things. Good luck. Hope he heals quickly- my little one did.

I cannot say, because I have not experienced it. However, my thought is that I would expect him to walk, and not offer to carry him.

Start with little things around the house: you want to eat? come to the table. You want to play with the blocks? go get them. You need to go to the bathroom? (better leave yourself time to get there.)

I'd also check with the doctor concerning whether he needs to walk, or is just allowed to walk. Will his recovery be hampered if he chooses to be sedentary?

I would think that he should/you all should go to a pediatric physical therapist so he can be taught how to maneuver properly without causing him undue pain.

Clearly he is afraid otherwise and it will just take time for the fear to go away. I would call the pediatrician or just start looking for a PT on your own for some help, they can show you the proper ways to maneuver so YOU don't get hurt!

Your son's going to have to have atleast one visit with a physical therapist. There's just no 2 ways around it. It has to be done...for him and for you.

What a tough injury! Poor guy. Most insurance will cover physical and/or occupational therapy with an injury of this magnitude. When I broke my leg, I had one session with a physical therapist in the hospital. She taught me how to use my crutches, go up and down stairs, etc. I continued PT for several weeks, but my injury was in the tibia, and spiraled vey close to the ankle joint, so the treatment plan was different than it would be for your son.

I would call the doctor's office to see if they have anyone on staff to teach your son how to use his walker. Perhaps in a clinical setting, with medical professionals present, he would feel safe trying to move his leg. If they can't help you at the doctor's office, they should at least give you a referral for a visit with a PT, who is trained to teach people how to use medical equipment without hurting themselves. The PT would likely teach you the safest way to help your son as well. Be sure to go to the doctor or PT's office with the questions you have, and don't leave until they've been answered!

Good luck.

OK--no experience with this at all--but I'm just wondering if HE thinks he'll hurt it again/make it worse/have extreme pain if he tries to walk? Does he understand that the cast will keep his leg "safe"?

It must be hard, walking with a cast that goes up AROUND his waist.
How the heck do they recommend he walk?
Can they send you to some physical therapist?