tight heel cords.....referred to neurologist

My son is 7 years old.  When he was 3 1/2 he was diagnosed with Legg-Calve-Perthes of the right leg.  He has been doing well so far. Also , he has tight heel cord in both feet and has been casted for this previously. Recently, I took him back to the Orthopaedic specialist for his 6 month follow up.  The Dr. stated that his heel cords are getting tighter. On the consultation sheet was that my son has Perthes, started adderall (adderrall) a few months ago for ADD and that he is wetting the bed. I want an idea as to what they are evaluating and what his reasons might be for sending him to a Neurologist.  I would like to have an idea so that I can get some good questions together to ask when I take him to this appointment. Thank you.

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Gina:

There are many reasons for tight heel cords.  The most common reason, with the exception of spastic cerebral palsy is due a congenital abnormality, of the ankle and feet.  Usually, the treatment is physical therapy.  The tendon needs to be stretched daily.  So, your questions should be the etiology of the tight heel cords, birth trauma, congenital abnormality (MRI of the brain would help here if the problem is structural), spinal cord problem, peripheral nerve problem, and muscle problem.  The physicial exam and history will help him/her to be more precise with the etiology.  However, sometimes we just do not understand why.  The fact that your son his legg perthes might indicate a congenital problem.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[motherknowsbest]

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