Orthotics
For children with DMD, night-time splints may be recommended to help maintain positioning of the lower leg so that your child may walk more easily during the day. Orthotists create splints and braces that fit your child's needs.
Below is a list of frequently asked questions about orthotists and your appointments with them. Click on each question or row to read more. If you have further questions, please speak with your neuromuscular care team at your local clinic or hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
An orthotist assesses, designs, and manufactures orthotics (braces or splints) for all parts of the body. For children with DMD, a splint may help maintain positioning of the lower leg, and occasionally, a spinal brace may be used to support posture.
Your child will have many appointments with a team of therapists including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and neurologists in the first few years. You can discuss the appropriate timing, and what sort of orthotics are suitable for your child at each stage of their development, with your therapy team.
You are always welcome to make an appointment with an orthotist to find out what might be involved. You can do this without a referral.
Your child may be referred to an orthotist for night-time Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFOs) before they start primary school. Wearing night-time AFOs may help keep their feet and ankles in a better position to make walking easier.
Always bring your orthoses to any appointments you have, even if they are only used at night-time. That way, your orthoses can be checked for size, wear and tear, and whether they still fit well or need to be remade.
The NDIS allows you to choose an orthotist that best suits your child's needs. This may be an orthotics facility closer to home, or in a hospital on the same day as other appointments. As long as you and your child are happy and confident with the orthotist’s skills and service, you can see a provider of your own choice. Do not feel guilty about asking for advice or opinions from other people you know who have used orthotics services.
Your child will be eligible for NDIS funding. If you have NDIS funding already you should advise your NDIS planner that your child will need new orthotics (AFOs) every year for growth. Be sure to have them added to your child's plan.
Night splints may be useful in maintaining your child’s foot and ankle position while sleeping. When we sleep overnight, our natural position is to have our toes slightly pointed. By preventing this with orthoses, this may help maintain a better foot position which could help your child walk for longer.
If you want to know when your child may start using orthotics, talk to your physiotherapist at your next appointment. They will combine the information you give them with their physical assessment of your child to determine the best time for you to visit the orthotist for a review.
