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CEREBRAL PALSY

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

Solutions:

Arch Supports:

• Symmetry exercising support with metatarsal life

• Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support, such as the Bio-Orthotics Journey or Silhouette, for use when shoes cannot accommodate the Winstep or Sundance exercising support

• For children, use scaphoid pads until they reach the size for the smallest prefabricated arch support

• Extra depth shoes with firm heel counter, full steel shanks and rocker soles

• For exercise, wear shoes with titanium springs

• 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 and 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