Signs of tethering???

[cadon's mum]

Could someone please go through the signs of tethering for me? Cadon has always been really strong in his legs but recently is ankle has started to give out even with his piedro boots on, i don't know if it's because he may just need a little extra support ( AFO?) or whether it may be the first signs of tethering. Do i just wait and see or ring the neuro now? Not sure what to do for the best any advice ???

[Dodger67]

At his age growth and weight gain is fast - perhaps too fast for the muscles stabilising his ankle to keep up. He's also very likely walking a lot more than just a few months ago.
The increased load on his ankle probably has just reached the point where it needs additional support. His PT is probaly the best person to consult first before going higher up the "food chain"

If the only change is the ankle it's probably not tethering - is his bladder and bowel function stable?

[LillyPie]

Lillys ankles collapse without AFO's, and that is because of her weight, it has gotten worse over time and has nothing to do with her tethered cord. Lillys symptoms were pain in her buttocks, down the back of her leg, pain near the myelo site and she developed a dropped foot. It sounds to me like it may be time for AFO's, and like Dodger said a PT will be able to tell you. Lillys PT knew Lillys syptoms were neurological not orthopedic.