Helping the Child to Keep Walking for As Long As Possible

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HealthWiki > Disabled Village Children > Chapter 10: Muscular Dystrophy: Gradual, Progressive Muscle Loss > Helping the Child to Keep Walking for As Long As Possible

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In this chapter:

 

In this chapter:

Walking uphill and hillside farm work help prevent tiptoe contractures of the ankles.

Exercise. To keep as strong as possible and prevent contractures, probably the best therapy, at least at first, is to stay active, to walk, run, and play. While range-of-motion and stretching exercises may help (see Chapter 42), it is even better to involve the child in games, work, and other activities that keep his joints flexible. Even if he moves slowly or awkwardly, encourage him to take part rather than overprotecting or feeling sorry for him

Braces. Long-leg braces should not be used until absolutely necessary, as they will let the child’s legs grow weaker faster. Sometimes lightweight plastic ankle splints, worn day and night, will help delay ankle contractures and keep him walking better (see Chapter 58.)

If contractures of the knees and hips begin to develop, try resting or sleeping with ‘sand bags’ to press down the legs and help straighten them.

bags made of soft cloth filled with clean sand plastic ankle splints

sand bag cushion

CAUTION! Balance your efforts to provide therapy or surgery against the need of the child (and his family) to lead as full and happy a life as possible. His weakness will increase and his life will be short regardless of all efforts. The goal of all care for the child with muscular dystrophy should be to help him get the most out of living now. The temporary benefits of surgery should be weighed against the pain and hardships it would involve.

Other aids. The child will reach a point where he needs to use crutches. Later, (often by age 10) he will not be able to walk. Do not force him when it becomes too hard. Instead, try to obtain or make a wheelchair. (See Chapters 64 to 66.) At first, the child may be able to roll it himself. But as his weakness progresses, he may need to be pushed.

A wide cloth or canvas strap across his belly and chest may allow the child to play, to lean forward, and to use his arms more freely.

Breathing deeply is important, especially when the muscles that move the lungs begin to weaken. Encourage the child to sing loudly, to shout, to blow whistles, and to blow up balloons.

HEY LOLI ! THERE'S A COW IN YOUR CORNFIELD! Shouting and climbing are both good exercises for the lungs.

This page was updated:04 Apr 2024