Clubbed Feet.

(Progress after just two weeks of casts.)

I realized yesterday, as we were headed home from our 3rd visit with Ochsner's pediatric orthopedic department, that I haven't talked much about Elam's clubbed feet and the process it is going to take to correct them. 

Elam's little legs have been in the smallest of casts for the last two weeks, and had his third pair put on yesterday. They really don't seem to bother him, but it sure does make him appreciate the couple minutes he gets each week when the doctors take them off. 

The cutest movement you have ever seen comes from Elam's left leg as he wiggles it with pure excitement when it is freed from his cast. This makes my heart happy. 

The doctors have estimated around 6-8 weekly cast changes will be needed, as with each casts they are able to straighten the foot out a little more.

 After the weekly round of casts get the feet straight and flexible enough for the doctor's liking, Elam will undergo a small surgery to further loosen the tendons in the back of his feet. He will then be put back in casts for a month. 

After the month of casts, at this point I am not sure if there will then be more casting, or if then he will go straight to braces (that he will wear 24/7 for three or so months, and then at night for 4-5 years).  

It is really amazing to us to be able to see such improvement in just two weeks!