Question
My 14 year old son plays baseball and footballand has avery hard time running. He has seen a Orhtepedic doctor and they say it is his achilles. We have also taken him to other doctors and they say that his hip os dropped down and rotated. He looks like he is a lot of pain when running but he says it dosent really hurt. It is like he has a limp when trying to run,also they said one leg seems to be shorter tan the other. His muscles in his legs and hips are very tight, the doctor said he couldnt even see how he could run at all with his achilles as tight as they are. I am trying to find out some streches or any suggestions what to do with this problem. It seems he just has to work very hard just to run

Answer
Dear Greg

The first thing I would do is ask to be referred to a pediatric orthopedist.  Kids your son's age are still growing and whatever is going on with his legs, has to be diagnosed by someone who specializes in pediatrics.

Secondly, ask the pediatric doctor about physical therapy in addition to whatever else happens.  Physical Therapy can really help him with his posture and they can suggest specialized exercises for him.

I would also try and dissuade him from doing sports right now until you find out what is going on.  He may be doing more damage to his legs and hip areas by running on them.

Good luck to you.

Sharon Davis