Last Saturday was Sophie’s second lesson at Yamaha (Thomson Plaza) with Papa. I carried Alfee and shopped around as we waited for their lesson to end. Then I saw a little kiosk selling foot orthoses and remembered what Dr Lim had said about Sophie’s feet. She has referred me to have her gross motor skills assessed at Mt Alvenia (Physio Department) but added that I could have her feet checked by an orthopaedician for any physical cause to her clumsiness in gait. She told me that they could be found at those kiosks selling foot orthoses in shopping malls. So, I quickly had a little chit chat with the man.
When Papa and Sophie came out, I called them to join us at the kiosk to have our feet assessed. With just a scan to check our weight distribution, he managed to convinced us that ALL our feet pronate. Of course, mine is VERY severe and need insoles or risk having all sorts of pain and bunions. Our problem is largely genetic (unfortunate) but there is hope for Sophie. With those specially fitted foot orthoses (insoles) for 10 years before her bones are set, she can be “cured”. Of course, she needs to keep changing the insoles as her feet grow bigger. That is hundreds of dollars every few months.
We almost caved in and ordered a pair for her since that will solve OUR problem of worrying about her clumsiness and falling. And he did mention that the “cure” is conveniently “… best if she starts wearing the orthoses around 3 years old… ”. Fortunately, Alfee was very cranky and Sophie was sleepy so we decided to come back next week to place the order instead.
In the car, we talked about it and Papa suggested we should see a registered orthopaedician for a proper assessment before we make any decision. He feared that the insoles might cause more harm than help her. Back home, I did some research and found
Singapore Sports and Orthopaedic Clinic at Gleneagles Medical Center. I quickly made an appointment to have Sophie’s feet assessed. I thought I also should have my knee checked since I have some knee pain forever. Our appointment was today – 3.30 pm.
I left Alfee with Ah Gong and went to the clinic with Papa and Sophie. As it turned out, Sophie's legs are fine. Everything we reported about her (clumsiness in gait) was just a "learning process" to the doctor. He said that Sophie has to keep learning how to balance and coordinate her limbs over time. As far as he was concerned, Sophie's feet were "beautifully" developed with nothing to worry about. He was surprised that we were referred to a physiotherapist as he thought our pediatrician should be in better position to assess Sophie's feet. When asked if we should still go for an assessment at Mt Alvenia tomorrow, he exchanged glances with his assistant and grunted. We took it as a 'no' (loud and clear).
As for my knee, I was advised to see him only when the pain affects my daily operation. I wanted to "talk" to him more about our concern, but he was not too keen to entertain anxious parents. He had a long queue of patients with broken limbs and other more serious conditions. I felt quite embarrassed that our issues were so trivial. We quickly paid for consultation ($120 each before GST) and my x-rays (approx $70, also before GST), took no medicine (because of my breastfeeding) and left for Mr Bean pancakes and soya milk before heading home to reunite with Alfee...
