Helping 2 Year Old Walk Again

I agree, talk to the doc about a Physical Therapy referral; he probably would not need to go long, but the PT would be able to give you some great ideas to get him up and moving. Beaumont has a great pediatric facility in Royal Oak; there is also Childrens who has satellites all over. I would go wherever the PT could see him the fastest - even if it wasn't a pediatric facility.

It is also good to see if you can get him engaged in various play activities with the other kids and see if distracting him would help.

any one in a cast for any length of time NEEDS PT!!!
get a referral and a new DR

Did you ask the MD for a physical therapy referral? I think PT has come so far in the past decade from being feel good to real medicine. Ask him. It seems it would only be a benefit. My PT doesn't see anyone w/o a referral/prescription from an MD. At the very least he should give you some tips or references to look up. It's been my experience that unless you ask, you won't necessarily get all there is to offer.

Love, patience and lots of hugs sounds like what's going to be necessary... and you could make sure your little guy gets some, too <Grin>

Being tightened up sounds like it is much of the problem, so some fun stretching sessions, particularly following warm-ups (muscle movement warms muscles to make them stretchier, but even a massage or a hot bath will help)... ask the physiotherapist for a list of suggested stretches. You could do them on the living room floor a couple of times a day.

Remember that holding a stretch longer makes muscles and tendons more flexible -- stretcing for short bursts doesn't help much at all...

Since he is starting all over again, I would start by playing on the floor. A little wrestling or kicking a ball with him laying down or sitting on your lap. Get him to use the muscles in other ways for a few days. A little stretching would not hurt either. I know it is rough now but you will be amazed at how quickly he rebounds.

Hello S., Call the doc and explain the situation. Your son should be recieving P.T. and some pain meds while learning to walk again. Frequent hot baths help with the muscle pain. During P.T. they do the warm baths before the workout and warm heat afterwards.(hot water bottle?) It took my son a year before he could walk on his own(no walker or crutches), but he was immobilized much longer then your son was. God bless you and your family. You have my e-mail address, keep in touch if you need help.

Can you give him some children's pain reliever before he becomes active?

Hi, S..If he was my child I would take him back to his doctor, explain what has been happening and ask for rehab. If the doc blows you off, INSIST. It can't hurt and very well may speed his recovery. Best Wishes. Denise.

This comes a little late, it seems, but if you don't take him for a second opinion, I would consider taking him to PT on your own for a consult even if you have to pay out of your own pocket a seesion fee - they can give you a list of stretches and exercises to do with him at home that are appropriate and do the right thing to help him heal properly - I would hate to think that he could be reinjured, or worse, that his muscles atrophy or he doesn't heal the right way. Good luck.

I agree with Jewel, he needs PT. Demand a referal from your DR.

Wish I could give more advice!

GL:)