Orthotics What You Need To Know

Carter's orthotic's finally arrived on Wednesday from Hanger Orthotics.  Carter was a little worried about how long he would have to have them in and if they would hurt.  Since this was our first time dealing with orthotics we really didn't know what to expect. 


They told us to get him new shoes since the insoles would take up some room and that it will take a couple of weeks for him to work up to wearing them full time.  We need to make sure that the shoe we get him has a removable insole and is not tight with the new insole.  Carter starts off wearing the insert two times a day for 15 minutes for 3 days then tries to move up to 30 min 2 times a day and so forth.  Until he is up to wearing them all the time. 


The first night Carter wore them for 15 minutes but complained about pain.  He said that it hurts to wear them.  I told him it will take some getting used to this was his first time wearing them.  But then Thursday he tried to wear them again for 15 minutes and  complained of pain again. So for now he is only wearing them once a day for 15 minutes, basically we are off track big time. We are just going to gradually work our way into them. Gotta love teenagers!

Like I said we were new to all this so I though I would put together some helpful information on Orthotics for people.

What are Orthotics?
They are basically a device that fits into your shoe to help support and align your foot.  They also provide correction and improve the function of the foot.  In order to help your exact problem or problems you must get a prescription from you doctor to insure you get a "custom" orthotic to suit your needs.  Remember, each person's foot is shaped differently so buying an over the counter insert will not help those with CMT. 

What to expect when you go in for your custom orthotics.
When Carter went in for his they had did a full evaluation.  A good specialists will ask you several  questions about your daily living, any pain or discomfort you are having, medical history and so forth.  They will also look at your feet, have you stand, walk, squat(if you can Carter can't really squat), walk on your heals(another thing Carter cannot do)..you get the idea. Neurological testing is another part of the exam as well.  After examining your feet, gait and listening to you, they will determine what type of orthotic you will need.

How is the custom orthotic made?
The custom orthotic is made from a mold of your foot.  The mold is an exact replica of your foots shape and contour. They are typically made from such materials as foams, rubbers, carbon fibers and more.  Again, depending on your evaluation the specialist will determine what type of materials are used as well as how much support and control you'll need. 

Will you have discomfort and how long will you need to have them?
Everyone is different, so some people may have mild discomfort and others moderate.  This is why they gradually put you into them by having you wear them in small increments and working your way up to full time.  Since the orthotic is realigning your lower extremities you may have some discomfort from your muscles trying to get used to the new alignment.  From what I understand if after a few weeks you still feel some discomfort you should go back in for evaluation.  As far as how long you have to wear them probably forever.  Remember, they are improving your feet not correcting them.  So as long as wear them you should feel some improvement.  We were told you cannot expect miracles, they are not going to help straighten your toes or correct your arch.  They will simply help support your foot and hopefully improve your way of life.  

I hope this info helps someone.  As I have said before I do not claim to be a doctor nor do I play one on t.v.  I am just a mom trying to find my way through CMT for my boys. 

Until Next Time.............I hope your feet are happy.....Mission Happy Feet
"Stay Strong, Believe"~Carter Hayes

Charcot Marie Tooth Awareness Month- Take The Challenge

WOW!!!! So far September has kicked off to a great start.  Between the article in the Cross Timbers Gazette, the article on National CMT Resource Center, posting posters in local doctors offices and getting ready for the Cotton Patch Challenge my head is spinning!


We also have decided to have a booth at the Marcus 2 Cross Country Invitational on September 24th.  We will be passing out information on CMT, selling Carter's Challenge bracelets, giving out CMTA bracelets n t-shirts, all to raise awareness for Charcot Marie Tooth Disease and the CMTA. 

I also will be working with local businesses to raise awareness for CMT.  Some of them are willing to help not only raise awareness but raise funds as well for research and one day a cure! 

I WANT YOU ALL TO KNOW IF I, A STAY AT HOME MOM OF 4, CAN RAISE A BIT OF AWARENESS THEN U CAN TO! 

I CHALLENGE EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU TO DO ONE NEW EVENT, FACEBOOK POST, EMAIL, LETTER, NEWSPAPER AD, RADIO....SOMETHING BY MONDAY SEPTEMBER 30TH.

EACH INDIVIDUALS EFFORTS NO MATTER HOW SMALL CAN BRING US ONE STEP CLOSER TO A CURE!

SO PLEASE TAKE ON CARTERS CHALLENGE AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE TODAY.   STAY STRONG, BELIEVE!

UNTIL NEXT TIME..........U CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

CMT Doesn't Seem To Affect You.......Seriously?

I am having a hard time lately with some people saying to me  "oh you are so lucky Carter and Zach really don't seem to be affected by CMT".  They basically imply that it really doesn't affect us.  Well, haven't they ever heard the saying don't judge a book by its cover?  Just because Zach and Carter don't need braces right now and can still play, run and swim does not mean they aren't affected.  What they don't see or notice is......

1. Because Zach has CMT he is a lot slower than his peers, trips over his own feet and doesn't jump well.
2. Zach has a hard time with shoes because of his arch, wide feet and sensory issues.  Socks have to have no seam.
3. Zach has a hard time with homework because his hand tires quickly and cramps.
4. Carter has very high arches,hammer toes and he walks on his toes because of CMT.
5. Carter suffers from fatigue.
6. Carter gets pain in his feet, legs and knees. Sometimes so bad he has to lay down.
7. Carter cannot stand or walk for long periods without pain.
8. Carter also has a hard time with homework and taking notes because his hand tires quickly and cramps.
9. Carter's toes are numb and can cause him to get sores.
10. Buttoning shirts or trying to open jars is hard.
11. Carter had to change his school schedule because he cannot participate in Cross Country.
12. I can keep going but won't....


Can Carter run?  Yes, he can but he is in pain the whole time.  Did he run a mile in 5:31 on Saturday?  Yes, he did but he did it in a lot of pain!  What you have to realize is... he was a Cross Country runner for 1 1/2 years.  He had the team and their parents behind him and the adrenaline kicked in.  Could he do this everyday? Absolutely not! He has a hard enough time walking a couple blocks without tiring or pain. Carter has always had a high tolerance for pain and doesn't like to "quit" or be told "can't".  He rarely will complain to anyone outside of our family, instead he will deal with the pain or numbness on his own. He just doesn't want to be "different".

What the outsiders don't see is....

Carter in pain after running not only in his feet, legs and knees but in his chest.
Carter in pain after trying to go to Six Flags with a friend. So much pain he couldn't walk anymore and slept for 15 hours.
Zach coming home sad because he is the last to be picked in PE.
Zach having to soak his feet in Epsom Salt to help his feet.

The bottom line is I am sure I am not the only mom, wife, sister, grandma, etc..out there there that has been presented with this statement. I am sure I will not be the last.  I only hope that in the future more people are aware of the disease and the impact it has on people.  Not everyone with CMT is affected the same way, some people need AFO's, some don't, some can run, some can't, some walk on their toes, some don't, the point is don't judge!  It is a progressive disease!

Until Next Time...............TRY WALKING IN A CMTer'S SHOES JUST FOR A DAY THEN TELL ME HOW IT AFFECTS US!

P.S. sorry for rambling tonight just had to get it out!

"STAY STRONG, BELIEVE"