Potential Benefits of Orthotic Devices for Children With Cerebral Palsy

 Posted on December 09, 2022 in Cerebral Palsy

Each child with cerebral palsy is unique. The condition manifests in countless ways and levels of severity. Some children experience minor impairment and can move their bodies without assistance. Others experience moderate symptoms such as irregular walking gait, twisted posture, involuntary movements, and speech difficulties. Children with severe cerebral palsy may be unable to control their limbs or walk at all. They may suffer from intellectual disabilities, vision and hearing loss, and seizures.

The treatment a child with cerebral palsy receives will depend on his or her unique symptoms and difficulties. However, orthotic devices can be beneficial in many situations, as they help to maintain or improve posture, control movement, reduce pain, and facilitate function. There are many different types of orthotic devices, including ankle foot orthosis, knee orthoses, hip abduction orthoses, thoraco-lumbo-sacral orthosis, and more.

Helping Children With Cerebral Palsy Participate in Life

Parents of children with cerebral palsy often long for their children to be able to enjoy childhood in the same way as their peers. Orthotic devices can help to make this happen, as they can encourage a child's engagement in life by allowing them to move around more easily, participate in physical activities and social events without limitations, and even gain independence. Orthotic devices may not eliminate all of a child's symptoms, but they may help reduce symptoms enough to give the child some relief.

Improving Posture and Reducing Pain

Orthotics can be beneficial for children with cerebral palsy because they can be used to help improve posture. Proper posture is important for all people, but it can be especially beneficial for those with cerebral palsy who may have difficulty maintaining a healthy position. Orthotics can support the body, relieving the strain on joints and enabling a child to move more easily and safely. Many children with cerebral palsy experience chronic pain due to the tightness of muscles and tendons. Orthotics can be used to help reduce this pain by providing stability, cushioning, and support.

Reducing Deformity of the Body

Muscle tightness caused by cerebral palsy can force a child's body into unnatural positions. Over time, this can adversely affect how the child's body grows and develops. Wearing orthotic devices such as braces may help correct abnormal positioning before it becomes permanent.

Contact Our Cerebral Palsy Birth Injury Lawyers

Parents of children with cerebral palsy want the best care and treatment possible for their children. Unfortunately, these medical interventions can be extremely expensive. If a child's cerebral palsy is the result of medical negligence during the child's birth, the parents may be able to bring a birth injury claim and recover financial compensation. Call the Chicago birth injury attorneys at Birth Injury Law Alliance, Ltd. today and schedule a free consultation to learn more.

Sources:

https://braceworks.ca/2020/03/17/devices/lower-limbs/afo/orthotics-in-cerebral-palsy-physiopedia/

https://www.flintrehab.com/cerebral-palsy-orthotics/