Tag: orthotic

cerebral palsy

How an Orthosis Can Help if Your Child Has Cerebral Palsy

Mobility difficulties due to spasticity, muscle weakness, and balance are the most common struggles among people who have cerebral palsy (CP). In the legs, orthoses can help people with CP in several ways, including helping to improve joint alignment, standing, and walking stability and reducing the risk of falls. In the arms, orthoses may be used to position and align the joints and improve function.

What is Cerebral Palsy?

CP is the most common motor impairment in childhood. It is a condition caused by damage to the developing brain and affects a person’s ability to control their muscles. The symptoms of CP vary from person to person. A person with severe CP may need to use special equipment to walk or may not be able to walk at all, while a person with mild CP may walk with little or no special help.

Orthosis Treatment Option

CP has no cure, but treatment can improve function and mobility. It is important to begin a treatment program as early as possible. Depending on the severity of CP and how it affects your child’s functional abilities, an orthosis may be recommended. An orthosis, also known as an orthotic device or brace, is an effective treatment option for those living with CP and experiencing spasticity, balance issues, coordination difficulties, and walking difficulties. Orthoses are external devices designed to support, stabilize, or correct various parts of the body. In the context of cerebral palsy, orthoses can be used to stabilize the joints to maintain alignment, improve balance, and improve a person’s ability to stand and walk around their environment, whether it might be at home, school, or work.

 

Mom to CP Warrior Shares Journey

Mom Jessica shares her daughter Abigail’s journey with cerebral palsy and how her orthotic leg braces have made a positive impact on her life.

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Abigail Orthotic

Benefits of Wearing Orthosis for Cerebral Palsy

According to estimates, about two-thirds of children with CP can walk. However, CP affects the muscles, joints, and patterns of motion, meaning establishing a meaningful gait (walking pattern) can be a challenge. For example, one common condition is the tendency for children with CP to toe walk. This can be treated over time by using ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) to help stabilize and strengthen the muscles and joints of the foot and ankle.

When an orthotic device is a successful part of treatment, it should help children establish more normal patterns of joint and muscle motion.1

1. Manage Spasticity

Because 80% of children with CP have spasticity, orthotic intervention can have a major effect on a child’s body mechanics.1 Spasticity is high muscle tone caused by involuntary muscle contractions. It can cause feelings of stiffness or tightness within muscles and a wide range of involuntary muscle spasms that can further impair movement and coordination.2 An orthosis can reduce the impact of spasticity by holding a part of the body in place to prevent unwanted movements and minimize spastic muscles from further tightening. Additionally, an orthosis may gently stretch tight muscles, which may help minimize spasticity progression. Once a stable basis for movement has been established, your child can develop higher levels of functioning, including increased range of motion, muscle strength, endurance, coordination, and step length.

2. Correct Posture

CP can cause low or high muscle tone or a combination of both. Low abdominal muscle tone may cause poor trunk stability, decreased balance, and compromised posture. On the other hand, high muscle tone may force the body into abnormal positions. Wearing a spinal orthosis can help provide stability and structural support to sit upright.

3. Decrease Pain

Spasticity can strain the musculoskeletal system, cause pain, disrupt sleep, affect mood, and hinder growth. Orthoses stabilize the joints and reduce muscle tightness, relieving excess pressure on the muscles, bones, and joints and helping reduce pain.

4. Minimize Irregular Growth

High muscle tone can pull the body into abnormal positions as a child grows. Deformities may develop when the muscles remain contracted or tightened for long periods during growth. Orthoses can help correct these abnormal positions. 

5. Improve Functional Ability

CP generally requires more energy to perform movements, resulting in tiredness, which leads to increased irregular movements. Orthoses help stabilize and support the body, reducing fatigue and allowing more energy to be utilized toward better form.

6. Improve Self-Esteem

Orthoses help to maintain or improve mobility and function and free up time to focus on family, play, and pursuing interests. Most often, this allows those living with CP the opportunity to be more active and improve self-esteem.

Goals

There are many types of orthoses that may help, including foot orthoses (FOs), ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs), knee-ankle-foot orthose (KAFOs), spinal orthoses (TLSOs) and more. A Hanger Clinic orthotist can help to establish goals for your child’s lifestyle and activity levels. Typical goals may include improving muscle tightness, enhancing mobility, preventing falls, and improving coordination. An orthotist will work with your family and your care team to establish the best treatment option and provide care and support.

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If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and you are interested in learning more about orthotic bracing, schedule a free evaluation with one of our board-certified orthotists.

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References

[1] Cerebral Palsy Organization

[2] John Hopkins Medicine

AAOP

Hanger Clinic Celebrates 50 Years with AAOP

As we anticipate the American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists (AAOP) 50th Academy symposium, we reflect on Hanger Clinic’s partnership with AAOP and look forward to new opportunities to enrich the O&P profession and patient lives.

Since 1970, the AAOP has worked to advance the standards of O&P care through education, literature, research, advocacy, and collaboration. Throughout the last 50 years, Hanger Clinic clinicians have served in leadership roles and on councils and committees at the Academy to support research, education, and resource efforts.

Greg Armstrong, MBA, BSPO, CPO, FAAOP, at Hanger Clinic in Houston, Texas, is currently serving as one of the directors for the Academy.

Greg Armstrong shared, “The Academy is a premier source of education and research for the orthotic and prosthetic profession. It is an honor to be a valued member of a team dedicated to the field of O&P, both at Hanger Clinic and AAOP. As an O&P professional, you have the opportunity to change lives. AAOP helps provide us with the knowledge and resources to do that.”

Celebrating AAOP Presidents

Throughout the 50 years, past Academy presidents include Hanger Clinic current and past employees Tom DiBello, L/CO, FAAOP; Phil Stevens, MEd, CPO, FAAOP; Sarah Thomas, MSPO, CPO; Frank Bostock, CO, FAAOP; Ted Thrandardt, CPO; Mike Quigley, CPO; C Micheal Schuch, CPO, FAAOP, FISPO; and Bob Brown, CPO.

Past president and AAOP Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Tom DiBello shared, “Whether serving in a leadership role for AAOP, one of our sister organizations, or assisting in a volunteer mission abroad, throughout my career, the time that I have spent as a volunteer has always reaped so much knowledge and personal and professional satisfaction. Every one of us should actively participate in our national organizations, and the Academy in particular, for fostering our growth as a profession. If you have not joined or volunteered, you owe it to yourself, your colleagues, and your patients to do so. Happy 50th Academy, here’s hoping for fifty more.”

Hanger Clinic at AAOP

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Past president Phil Stevens also shared, “I’ve always enjoyed my interactions with the Academy.  It’s a unique collection of passionate clinicians and staff motivated to facilitate the best care for the patients we’re fortunate enough to care for.  It’s also proven to be an excellent resource for translating our research findings to the broader O&P community.”

AAOP2024 Symposium

The Academy Annual Meeting and Scientific Symposium serves as the nucleus of O&P continuing education, community, and connection. Thousands of O&P practitioners, academicians, researchers, and industry partners gather to explore and collaborate in an enriching, inclusive, and interactive environment.

This year’s annual symposium will take place in Chicago, Illinois, on March 6-9, 2024. Hanger Clinic will be participating in many educational sessions throughout the event, supporting the continued evolution and progress in O&P.

More Published Research

The Hanger Institute for Clinical Research and Education conducts studies in collaboration with leading researchers, clinicians, and academic institutions.

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Marcy Frederico Blog

Marcy Runs NYC Marathon Again After 25 Years Thanks to Her Ankle-Foot Orthosis

After a car accident left Marcy with severe ankle pain and arthritis, she thought she would never run again. Now, with the assistance of her ankle-foot orthosis, Marcy is back to running marathons and living the life she loves.

When Marcy was 18 years old, she was in a car accident that left her with broken ribs, a concussion, and a shattered wrist and right ankle. Despite the pain from her ongoing injuries, she did not give up on her passion for running. Marcy persevered through the pain in her 20s, getting married, working as a physical therapist, starting a family, and even completing the New York City Marathon three times. But as the pain and arthritis in her ankle worsened, Marcy was forced to give up her passion.

“Following my accident, I developed ankle arthritis. My ankle pain was just getting so bad, so I stopped running. I just felt like I was really stripped of what I had been able to do before.”

Discovering Orthotic Technology

By 2021, Marcy was contemplating ankle fusion surgery, but that would likely mean never being able to run again. After another night of sitting on the couch in pain, Marcy came across videos about an energy-storing and returning (ESR) ankle-foot orthosis, a device unfamiliar to her, even as a physical therapist. She researched and contacted the local Hanger Clinic in Orlando, Florida, where she met Megan Sech, CPO and Chris Toelle, CO.

“I was fortunate to be able to work with Megan and Chris. They talked about this device called a HighPro AFO. It’s an energy-storing and returning AFO that allows you to push off more effectively and helps you propel forward. The day I got the device was incredible. After they fitted me, I could walk more efficiently and even run. I found that as I increased my mileage during a run, I started to get a little more ankle pain. I decided to explore if there were additional options to help with these high-mileage runs.”

To help Marcy complete high-mileage runs, Megan recommended the ExoSym, a hybrid prosthetic-orthotic device for those who still experience limited movement or pain with traditional AFOs.

Training to Run the NYC Marathon Again

“With the assistance of my AFOs, I started doing 5K’s with women in my neighborhood. It was hard, but each one got a little bit easier. As I got faster, I did a 10K with a good friend from high school. I started thinking back to when I ran my last New York City Marathon and realized next year would be the 25th year since I ran my last marathon. I just thought that it would be incredible to run the marathon again, so that’s what I decided to do. Though training for a marathon at age 53 is very different than training at 28, I also knew I was stronger and wiser than I used to be.”

Marcy signed up for the New York City Marathon once again. In addition to training, Marcy, her husband, and her family planned out specific points where they would see each other during the race to provide her support along the way.

“Crossing the finish line of a marathon is incredible. You go through so much, and your body is being put through so much, but you are also uplifted by the crowd and seeing the good and humanity in people. It’s an incredible feeling, pushing your body and knowing that if you want something and you train for it properly, you can do it.

I feel like Hanger Clinic gave me my life back. You know, things that people just take for granted like being able to walk on the beach and run, they gave that back to me. I want other people struggling like me to seek out the possibilities. My world reopened: I was able to run!”

Marcy Frederico
Katie Bondy Blog

Katie Stays Active and Inspires Her Students While Living with Spina Bifida

Born with several conditions, including spina bifida, Katie Bondy grew up with lower limb orthoses, and later a prosthesis. Never letting her differences hold her back, Katie has always been extremely active and participated in many sports. Following her love of the game, Katie became a high school lacrosse coach and science teacher, inspiring her players and students to always follow their dreams.

Growing Up with Orthoses

Katie was born with several conditions, including spina bifida, scoliosis, a tethered spinal cord, and limb-length discrepancy. At two years old, Katie was fit with her first orthosis on her left leg, and then was later fit with an orthotic brace on her right leg, too. She learned to walk with casts, a walker, and an orthosis. To assist her mobility, Katie had over 20 surgeries that started at a young age. She was determined to never let her differences hold her back.

“When I was younger, my doctors told my parents I shouldn’t be able to walk, but I was determined. Using my orthotic braces and assistive devices, I tried to keep up with the other kids. To help with my leg length discrepancy, I also wore a shoe with a lift. When I fell, my parents let me figure out how to get up on my own. This helped form my attitude to just get up and keep going.

As I continued to grow, I knew I wanted to stay active and play sports. I played lacrosse throughout high school and college. I wore two leg braces while I played, and had a variety of orthoses, from a knee-ankle-foot orthosis to my current reactive ankle-foot orthosis.”

Katie Bondy TBall

School

Katie’s parents decided when she was young that they were going to teach her to advocate for herself and go for her dreams.

“I feel very fortunate for how my parents raised me, not everyone has that experience. My parents were proactive when I was introduced to new situations, such as when I started to attend school. Starting in kindergarten, my parents met with the teachers before school began. When the school year started, I introduced myself, told the other students about my leg braces and that I needed to wear them to help me walk. Once they knew I could play like them, we were off and running.

Back to School Guide

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Back to School Prosthetic and Orthotic Tips

By middle school and high school, I advocated for myself with my teachers and had established my group of friends. If people asked me about my leg braces, my friends would even answer saying, ‘This is Katie, she walks different, she’s really just like you and me.’ Our school was multiple levels, and our day was based on a block schedule. I would meet with the school staff to get as many of my classes as possible on the main floor before having my classes on the second floor to minimize going up and down stairs throughout the day.

When it came to sports, I didn’t run as much as everyone else, but then I would modify with more push-ups, sit-ups, and other exercises. This really helped me in my position as goalie on our high school lacrosse team.”

Relationship with Hanger Clinic

“The relationship I have with Hanger Clinic in Columbus, Ohio is amazing. I work with prosthetist Jason Macedonia, L/CPO and orthotist Makenzie Best, L/CPO. They have always been there for me. When I was in high school, they worked with my school schedule to get me in for appointments. There were times when I needed an adjustment or quick fix right before my game, and they were there to support me and help me get out on the field. Jason even came to my soccer practice to get a better understanding of how my prosthesis was working for me on the field and if any adjustments might help. As an adaptive athlete, I don’t take for granted that I have a prosthetic and orthotic device that is fit just for me. The relationship I have with the Hanger Clinic team helps enable me to be mobile and live.”

Katie Bonde

Life Today

In 2022, Katie’s left leg was amputated below the knee after developing a staph infection.

“It was scary, but I had seen other people with prostheses playing sports and living an active life. In the end, it turned out to be a blessing. The prosthetic foot has more movement than my ankle-foot orthosis allowed me, I can walk better without my leg length difference, and my back pain has improved.”

Less than a year later, Katie began playing soccer with an amputee soccer club.

“I’ve always been an athlete. In addition to playing sports in high school and college, I’ve enjoyed hiking, rock climbing, boating, and coaching soccer and lacrosse. Now, I’m really enjoying playing adaptive soccer, even getting the opportunity to represent the United States on the U.S. Women’s National Amputee Soccer Team.”

Katie is also a high school teacher.

“In addition to coaching, I teach high schoolers. My service dog, Ollie, is my German Shepard and attends class with me. I’m very open with my students about my orthosis and prosthesis, and why I walk different. As kids, we are taught not to stare, but I feel like students are just trying to figure it out. It may be something new that they have never seen before.

Katie Bondy Soccer

Most often, they are just curious about why I have a prothesis, then after that, the curiosity is gone and I’m just another teacher at school. It’s a good lesson for my students in overcoming struggles to accomplish your goals.

For me, it’s a lot about mindset. According to my chart, I should be wheelchair bound. But I am walking, teaching, playing sports, and living an active life. Instead of looking at all the things that are harder in my life, I focus on everything I am able to do and enjoy just being alive. It’s not always easy, but I make each day the best day it can be.”

Request a Free Evaluation

If you or someone you love are looking for personalized orthotic or prosthetic care, get in touch with a board-certified orthotist/prosthetist at a Hanger Clinic near you.

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Working to Change Policy and Increase Coverage in Orthotic and Prosthetic Care

So Every BODY Can Move (formerly known as “So Kids Can Move”) is an initiative to provide greater access to specialized orthotic and prosthetic care used for physical activity. The initiative outlines the need for insurance coverage of medically necessary prosthetic limbs and custom orthotic braces designed to enable individuals with limb loss and limb difference to participate in exercise, recreation, and physical activities.

Prostheses and Orthoses for Physical Activity versus Daily Devices

No one orthotic or prosthetic device can replace the vast array of fundamental human movements lost from amputation, disease, or disorder. That is why specialized orthoses and prostheses designed for use in high-activity environments – such as running, hopping, skipping, jumping, swimming, dancing, bicycling, and more – are needed to prevent damage and minimize injury to both body and device. Without them, equal access to physical activity cannot be achieved.

Let’s look at running. It has different biomechanics than walking. For example, in running, more push-off energy is generated by the ankle than during walking, and upon heel strike, the vertical impact of running can equate to around four times one’s body weight.1 Given this, a specific prosthesis has been designed for running to maximize shock absorption and energy return, while improving comfort and minimizing injury.2

Benefits of Physical Activity

Participating in physical activity to remain healthy, fit, and functional is one of the most important factors in maintaining overall health throughout one’s lifetime.3 Whether it’s vigorous exercise or simple day-to-day movement, being physically active helps with weight management, increases strength and balance, improves mental health, supports better-quality sleep, and reduces the risk of disease and cancer.4

Physical inactivity is the fastest growing public health problem in the country today7, and individuals with limb loss, limb difference, and mobility impairments are disproportionately at risk. In fact, children with disabilities are 4.5 times less likely to engage in physical activity than their peers8 and have 38% higher obesity rates. 9 Additionally, 50% of adults with disabilities do not participate in aerobic physical activity.10 Physical inactivity accounts for roughly 8.7 percent of U.S. healthcare expenditures, or approximately $117 billion per year.11

It is essential for those living with limb loss and limb difference to have the option to wear specialized orthoses and prostheses designed for physical activity. Utilizing an inappropriately designed prosthesis for physical activity can be unsafe for the prosthetic user and can lead to secondary musculoskeletal conditions from overuse.5 Without appropriate prosthetic and orthotic care, the benefits of physical activity cannot be fully realized by people living with limb loss, limb difference, and mobility impairments.6

Insurance Coverage of Orthotic and Prosthetic Devices for Physical Activity

In the majority of cases, orthotic and prosthetic care utilized for physical activity is not considered “medically necessary” or “reasonable and necessary” – the standards for insurance coverage – by most federal, state, and private health plans. Without health plan coverage, out-of-pocket costs, ranging from $5,000 – $30,000 per device, often prohibit people who live with amputation from getting access to this technology. As a result, physical activity accessible by specialized orthoses and prostheses is severely limited.

Without insurance coverage, individuals with limb loss and limb difference often remain more sedentary, risk serious injury by exercising with improper devices, or hope to be one of the lucky few to receive a charitable gift or sponsorship. Over 50 nonprofits exist in the United States to provide donated orthotic and prosthetic care that is not covered by insurance, helping thousands of people each year; but collectively, they cannot meet the needs of over two million people living with limb loss in the United States12 and countless more with limb difference and mobility impairments.

So Every BODY Can Move

So Every BODY Can Move is at the forefront of the national disability rights movement, creating equitable and life-changing access to prosthetic and orthotic care for physical activity.

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So Every BODY Can Move

State Advocacy Efforts

There is no one-size-fits-all approach that will work in every state to improve access to orthoses and prostheses. Each state has its own legislative calendar, key players, and pressing issues of the day. Here is an overview of legislative action to date:

Legislation Enacted

Legislation Introduced

The work to generate awareness and build legislative support for So Every BODY Can Move and the support of the orthotic and prosthetic field takes time and persistent effort.

How To Get Involved

The So Every BODY Can Move initiative is the result of a collaboration between the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA), the National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics (NAAOP), the Amputee Coalition, and the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP).

If you are interested in bringing So Every BODY Can Move to your state, fill out this form or contact Sam Miller, AOPA State and Federal Advocacy Manager at [email protected] to begin the process of advocating for expanded access to orthoses and prostheses utilized for physical activity as medically necessary healthcare for children and young adults in your state. Whether it’s coalition-building, legislative drafting, or contacting policymakers, So Every BODY Can Move has the resources you need to make your voice heard.

Request a Free Evaluation

If you or someone you love are looking for personalized orthotic or prosthetic care, get in touch with a board-certified orthotist/prosthetist at a Hanger Clinic near you.

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1 The Anatomy of Running – Vox

2 Ossur-Science-of-Sprinting-Femita-Ayanbeku-2020.pdf (cloudinary.com)

3 Benefits of Physical Activity | Physical Activity | CDC

4 Why Should People be Active? | Physical Activity | CDC

5 Running Biomechanics for People with a Unilateral Transtibial Amputation Using Running-Specific and Daily-Use Prostheses (mines.edu)

6 Insurance-fairness-amputees-act-2019.pdf (amputee-coalition.org)

7 Physical Inactivity: The Biggest Public Health Problem of the 21st Century – PubMed (nih.gov)

8 Why We Must Prioritize Equitable Access to Physical Activity for Children with Disabilities (acsm.org)

9 Disability and Obesity | CDC

10 Vital Signs – Adults with Disabilities (cdc.gov)

11 The High Cost of Inactivity (acefitness.org)

12 Limb Loss Statistics – Amputee Coalition (amputee-coalition.org)

Back to School Prosthetic and Orthotic Tips

Back to School Guide: Orthotic and Prosthetic Tips

It’s that time of year again! Your child is preparing to go back to school with their orthosis or prosthesis. Whether your child is going back to school for the first time with their device, or has been down this path before, here are some tips we suggest to help set your child up for success.

Schedule an Appointment with Your Clinician

Children grow quickly. If you have any concerns with the fit of your child’s orthosis or prosthesis, schedule an appointment for your child to be seen by their orthotist or prosthetist. Also, if your child works with an occupational therapist (OT) or physical therapist (PT), they can be an added resource for your child’s needs and possibly help assist with a plan for the upcoming school year.

Talk with Your Child

It’s common at the start of the school year for children to be excited about returning to school. Before school begins, consider taking some time to talk with your child about their orthosis or prothesis so they can feel prepared to share with other students its purpose and how it helps them.

Meet with School Teachers

Prior to the beginning of the school year, consider scheduling a meeting with your child’s teacher(s) to introduce your child and review your child’s history, accommodations, and needs. In general, when a teacher is more comfortable with your child’s orthosis or prothesis, the students in the class will be more likely to follow.

You may want to discuss with the teacher(s) at this meeting how they plan to introduce students and if your child would like to share about their orthosis or prosthesis with other children in the class. In addition to your child’s main teachers, also consider music, library, physical education, or other teachers to discuss any accommodations.

Back to School Guide

Keep these back to school tips easily accessible as you start the new school year.

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Back to School

Meet with School Staff

In addition to meeting teachers, it may be important to meet with the principal, school advisors, counselors, security, and custodial staff. The staff will interface with your children outside of the classroom and during transition times.

Review Attendance Policies

Your child may need rest breaks during the day. Discuss with the staff how your child can make them aware of the need for a break and where they may go to rest. Additionally, your child may be absent due to medical appointments or other unforeseen circumstances. Discuss how to address these absences and keep your child on task in the classroom.

Identify School Modification Needs

Prior to the school year, if your child is attending a new school or would like to revisit their current school, consider setting up a time for your child to walk through the school to ensure the classrooms, bathrooms, lunch rooms, school buses, and playground equipment are safe and accessible. Identify routes through the school for shorter transition time and easier accessibility for the new school year.

Take into consideration if any special equipment needs to be installed or guidelines made. Doing this ahead of time can help prevent accidents and ease accessibility. Also, for emergency drills or situations, consider reviewing any specific plans of action to best keep your child prepared and safe.

Visit School Nurse and Discuss Medication Management

Take time to meet the school nurse to share more about your child’s orthotic or prosthetic device, review removing and putting on the device, discuss what to look for if your child complains of pain from the device, and discuss any pain or medication management that may be needed.

Inquire About School Aide Assistance

If your child would benefit from a school aide, find out if this is something your school currently offers or would help to arrange for your child. A school aide can help your child navigate during transition times, carry books to and from class, help your child get set up in the lunch room, and more.

Field Trips and After School Activities

Before the school year starts, ask about field trips and discuss if any arrangements are needed. Also, remember to consider involving your child in after school clubs, sports, and programs.

Remember, helping your child feel prepared for the upcoming school year helps to support an easier transition time for your child. With today’s orthotic and prosthetic technology, your child has many opportunities to do what they love. Just remember, work to keep open lines of communication with not only the school, but also with your child. You are your child’s best advocate and have an opportunity to teach your child to advocate for themselves. The possibilities are limitless!

Request a Free Evaluation

If you or someone you love are looking for personalized, high-quality care, get in touch with a board-certified orthotist or prosthetist at a Hanger Clinic near you.

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  1. Limbs4Kids, Returning to School After a Limb Amputation
  2. Knit Rite, Back to School Tips for Parents of Amputee Kiddos
  3. New Hampshire Family Voices Limb Loss Education & Awareness Program, LLEEAP Manual
Ziggy Clubfoot

Ziggy’s Clubfoot Journey: Taking First Steps With Orthoses

Three-year-old Ziggy was born with clubfoot and several other conditions. Recently, he was able to stand and take his first steps with help from his Hanger Clinic orthotist and Pediatric Specialist Cerise Gay and his first pair of custom leg brace orthoses.

Edilia and her husband Alberto were filled with anticipation as they awaited the arrival of their first child. When it came time for delivery, Ziggy was stubborn coming into this world, so Edilia’s physician eventually moved to a c-section. When Ziggy was born, they could see that his feet and legs did not appear quite right. Ziggy was diagnosed at birth with a missing chromosome and a number of other conditions that affect his mobility, including hip dysplasia, clubfoot on his left foot, and vertical talus (also known as “rocker foot”) on his right.

Navigating New Motherhood

Edilia found herself navigating not just new motherhood (at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, no less), but a whole host of treatments for her son.

“At first, I felt overwhelmed. But then I decided nothing was going to stop my son from living life to the fullest. Every child, every person, is relevant and has a story. My son will make his own story.” Edilia felt fortunate to have her husband and a strong support system. Additionally, she joined a clubfoot mamas’ group and did a lot of research on her own.

Ziggy is now three years old. He has undergone ten surgeries, including being placed in multiple hip casts and a full-body cast, and regularly attends therapies to help work towards his goals of walking and talking. Because of his surgeries and conditions, Ziggy has experienced developmental delays. But he doesn’t let that hold him back. Ziggy is super active and loves exploring the world around him.

Ziggy’s First Steps

Cerise Ziggy and Edilia

Recently, Ziggy was fit with his first pair of bilateral ankle-foot-orthoses (AFOs) at Hanger Clinic in Houston. With help from his Pediatric Specialist Cerise Gay and Orthotist Stephen Plant, Ziggy was able to stand on his own two feet and take his first steps. As Ziggy grows, the AFOs, a type of leg brace, will help him bear weight on his feet, and hopefully one day take his first unassisted steps.

“I am so proud of Ziggy’s progress and thankful for the Hanger Clinic team. Ziggy has gone through so much and is meeting his milestones in his own time. It was a happy moment watching him stand assisted and take his first steps. He now has the tools he needs with his orthoses to work towards walking on his own.”

Orthotist’s Role in Clubfoot Treatment

Shannon O’Shea, CPO and National Pediatric Specialist, shares the role of an orthotist in treating clubfoot and the importance in providing education to empower parents to feel successful bracing at home.

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The Power of Sharing

Edilia is on a mission to bridge the gap between people’s preconceptions and the actual face of disability. She believes in the power of representation and is determined to help Ziggy experience life the same way able-bodied kids do. They enjoy grocery shopping, going to the park, and even traveled on a family trip to visit Grandma in Honduras. She also recently signed Ziggy up for swimming and modeling.

Edilia has also been on her own personal journey, including struggling with postpartum depression (PPD). She didn’t realize until a visit to her doctor that she had gained a significant amount of weight after Ziggy’s birth. Fortunately, she was successfully treated for her PPD and also underwent bariatric surgery in May 2022, losing nearly 100 pounds in the last year. Taking care of her own health has given Edilia that much more confidence to use her voice, including sharing Ziggy’s story on social media and connecting with other parents of kids with disabilities. 

Ziggy and Mom

I continue to encourage and educate other parents of kiddos with clubfoot and other disabilities. There are always opportunities for more empathy in this world, and sharing Ziggy’s story is an opportunity to help others.

Edilia Zapata

Ziggy and Edilia’s motto is: “Always remember to infect the world with kindness,” and they can’t wait to see what Ziggy is able to do next!

Request a Free Evaluation

If you or someone you love is looking for personalized orthotic care, get in touch with a board-certified orthotist at a Hanger Clinic near you.

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Multiple Sclerosis

How an Orthosis Can Help with Mobility if You Have Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Difficulty walking due to muscle weakness, muscle spasms, and balance issues is one of the most common struggles among people who have multiple sclerosis (MS). Orthoses can help people with MS in a number of ways, including helping to improve mobility, eliminate gait deviations, and reduce the risk of falls.

What is MS?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body.1 In MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective coating surrounding the nerve called myelin, leading to inflammation and scarring (sclerosis) in the central nervous system. This disrupts the proper functioning of the nerves, resulting in various neurological symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of MS vary widely and depend on the location and severity of nerve fiber damage in the central nervous system. While some people with MS experience an array of symptoms, others may experience long periods of remission without any new symptoms.2

MS and Walking Difficulties

During your appointment, your Hanger Clinic orthotist will assess your gait, symptoms, and discuss your personal goals. Common symptoms that may impact your mobility and ability to walk include:

  1. Fatigue. Weak muscles require more effort to perform tasks, leading to increased fatigue. Individuals with MS may find that your muscles tire more quickly, impacting your ability to engage in physical activities or perform daily tasks. Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of MS, occurring in about 80 percent of people.3
  2. Spasticity. Spasticity refers to involuntary muscle contractions, feelings of stiffness or tightness within muscles, and a wide range of involuntary muscle spasms which can further impair movement and coordination.3
  3. Weakness. Muscle weakness in the legs can lead to difficulties with walking, balance, and coordination. This may result in a wobbly gait or an increased risk of falls. MS-related muscle weakness can also affect the upper limbs, making it challenging to perform tasks that require fine motor skills, such as writing, grasping objects, or manipulating small items. Weakness can also occur due to lack of use.3 
  4. Numbness or Tingling. Numbness and tingling sensations often occur in the extremities, such as the arms, legs, hands, and feet, but they can also affect other parts of the body. These sensations may be described as a “pins and needles” sensation, a feeling of “electric shocks,” or a general loss of sensation. The specific location and severity of numbness and tingling can vary among individuals with MS. Some people may experience mild and temporary episodes, while others may have persistent and more pronounced symptoms. Additionally, the sensations may come and go or remain constant over time.3

Treatment Options

An orthosis, also known as an orthotic device or brace, is an effective treatment option for those living with MS and experiencing muscle weakness, balance issues, and gait or walking difficulties. Orthoses are external devices designed to support, stabilize, or correct various parts of the body. In the context of MS, orthoses can provide support to weakened muscles, improve balance, and enhance functional mobility. Common diagnoses for an orthosis include:

  1. Foot Drop. Foot drop, also known as drop foot, is when you have a difficult time raising the front part of your foot, preventing a natural heel-to-toe stepping motion. It can impact your speed, balance, endurance, and walking pattern. Typical forms of treatment may include an ankle-foot orthosis or functional electrical stimulation (FES) to control foot drop and help improve your gait pattern, reduce the risk of falls, and increase safety.
  2. Knee Instability. Another common problem in MS is knee instability, in which the knee either buckles and gives way, or hyperextends, extending outwardly behind the knee. This can also cause gait or balance issues. A knee orthosis or knee-ankle-foot orthosis can benefit those with more significant muscle weakness or instability in the lower limbs.

Goals

You will work with your orthotist to establish goals for your lifestyle and activity levels. Typical goals may include improving your ability to walk, controlling foot drop, preventing falls, and getting back to the activities you love in life. Your orthotist will work with you and your care team to establish the best treatment option and provide care and support. Advocate for yourself with your care team and explore your options as you feel your symptoms progress.

Request a Free Evaluation

If you or someone you love are looking for personalized, high-quality care, get in touch with a board-certified orthotist at a Hanger Clinic near you.

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  1. National MS Society.
  2. Mayo Clinic.
  3. National MS Society – MS Symptoms.