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Anxiety in Children with Dyslexia

Anxiety in Children with Dyslexia

by | Nov 10, 2023 | Dyslexia & Learning Disorders

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges in children, and it affects one in eight children in the United States. While the condition is not unusual, it can present many challenges for those who experience it, especially in academics and education. Our team in the Luke Waites Center for Dyslexia and Learning Disorders shares what parents need to know about anxiety and how to help their child cope. Anxiety coupled with learning differences …
 
What is anxiety?
Anxiety has two important components: psychological symptoms, such as feelings of fear or worry, and physiological symptoms, such as feeling dizzy or shaky, having trouble breathing, headaches, stomachaches or trouble sleeping. For many children, anxiety is a typical emotion and is not a hinderance to their daily life. For others, persistent anxiety can cause problems at home, with friends and in school or in activities.
 
What is normal anxiety versus anxiety requiring a diagnosis?
Typical anxiety that is expected in children is manageable, doesn’t last very long and does not usually go along with significant physical symptoms. However, anxiety that is persistent or longer in duration, includes symptoms that interfere with functioning and causes physical symptoms may indicate that an anxiety disorder is present.
 
What is generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
According to the American Psychiatric Association, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) consists of excessive anxiety and worry occurring about several events or activities on more days than not for at least six months. The disorder can be associated with restlessness, mental fatigue, trouble concentrating, muscle tension and sleep disturbance. The condition is rarely identified prior to adolescence, and approximately one percent of adolescents experience GAD over the course of a year. GAD is often associated with academic difficulties.
 
How does anxiety affect education and learning habits?
Anxiety can significantly impact a child’s performance and confidence in the academic setting. Symptoms like difficulty concentrating or restlessness can prevent a student from taking in new information, while fear and worry can affect his or her retention of information, long-term memory and working memory. This can lead to anxiety around test-taking, which further impacts the child’s ability to successfully learn new information. For someone with dyslexia, ….
 
How can anxiety around school or test-taking be improved?
There are multiple factors that contribute to test-taking anxiety or anxiety about performance in academics. Tools that might help with this type of anxiety include changing either behavior or cognitions (thoughts), developing better study skills or developing better test-taking skills. Additionally, biofeedback paired with relaxation techniques has also been shown to be beneficial. If the anxiety around test-taking or school is more severe, consulting with an educational therapist might be needed. There are accommodations that could be requested for those children with learning disorders and/or dyslexia…
 
How to cope with anxiety
There are many ways to help your child learn to manage their anxiety or nervousness. Some techniques that can be implemented at home include:

  • Writing in a journal, coloring or drawing – sometimes it is easier to write or draw than talk.
  • Using a coping skills toolbox – fill a box with sensory items, things your child likes and calming/soothing items for your child to use.
  • Meditation – meditating can help reduce stress and improve sleep and emotional regulation.
  • Relaxing spot – create a place for your child to visit when they are feeling anxious or overwhelmed. This spot should not be used as a time-out spot.
  • Asking for help – it’s important that your child knows to ask for help when they need it.

 
Often anxiety interferes with activities outside of the home. Some different tools to cope with anxiety in public are:
 

  • Box breathing – slowly inhale through your nose to the count of four, and slowly exhale through your mouth while counting to four. (We have or are about to have a video for this. We also have a stress guide that psychology created.)
  • Grounding techniques – focus on five things you can see, four things you touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell and one thing you can taste. This encourages children to focus on things around them rather than their anxiety.
  • Five finger breathing – spread your hand and stretch your fingers out like a star. Then, use your pointer finger of your other hand and trace around the outline of your hands and fingers. Breathe out as you slide down and breathe in as you slide up your finger.
  • Help from a teacher – work with your child’s teacher(s) to create a signal that your child is experiencing anxiety and needs a break, such as placing a highlighter on their desk. 

When to consider therapy
Anxiety can be a normal emotion for children, but children that are excessively anxious or struggling with activities may benefit from therapy. Therapy can provide a safe space for kids and teens to talk through their worries and identify thoughts that are unhelpful or untrue. There are many different types of therapy, such as:
 

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Play/pediatric talk therapy
  • Expressive therapy (art/music)
  • Group therapy
  • Family therapy

Anxiety can be a lifelong condition, but it can be managed and improved with the proper support. For children coping with a diagnosis of a medical condition or a learning disorder, there are many places to turn for assistance. If you are concerned about your child’s anxiety, please contact your pediatrician or primary health care provider for assistance.
 
Learn more about the Luke Waites Center for Dyslexia and Learning Disorders.

What Is Turf Toe? 7 FAQs About This Common Sports Injury

What Is Turf Toe? 7 FAQs About This Common Sports Injury

by | Nov 6, 2023 | Sports Medicine

A serious condition with a funny-sounding name, turf toe can sideline aspiring and professional athletes alike. It’s a condition that targets one of an athlete’s most important tools — their feet. Learn how you can identify turf toe in your child and the steps you can take to keep it from ruining their season.

What Is Turf Toe?

In very basic terms, a turf toe injury is a sprain that impacts the big toe’s main joint — the metatarsophalangeal joint. It occurs when the joint gets bent beyond its normal range of motion, leading to stretches or tears in the ligaments, tendons and tissues that hold the joint in place.

What Causes Turf Toe?

Turf toe got its name because it was first seen in football players who play on artificial turf. The firm and less forgiving surface can contribute to strains on the big toe during play.

Nowadays, doctors see this injury in athletes who play any sport that involves running, jumping and other activities that place a lot of strain on the foot and big toe. Those sports include basketball, dance, gymnastics, soccer and wrestling.

In those sports, as with football, footwear can play a role in causing turf toe. Wearing shoes with flexible soles that do not adequately support the big toe joint can increase the risk, whereas stiff-soled shoes offer better protection.

What Are Common Symptoms of Turf Toe?

Common symptoms include:

  • A feeling of instability or weakness in the big toe
  • Bruising
  • Difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected foot
  • Limited range of motion in the big toe
  • Pain, tenderness, and swelling at the base of the big toe

If your child experiences discomfort or pain in the big toe joint after activity or playing sports, schedule an appointment with a sports medicine specialist. It can take time to recover from turf toe, so treating the condition at the first signs of pain can reduce your child’s time on the sidelines.

Diagnosing turf toe begins with a physical exam. Your child’s doctor will measure the toe’s range of motion and look for signs of tenderness and instability. Your child may have an X-ray to rule out any fractures, but sometimes the doctor will order an MRI scan. This type of imaging provides detailed views of the foot’s soft tissues, helping to confirm the extent of the injury.

How Long Does Turf Toe Take to Heal?

The recovery time for turf toe can vary depending on the severity of the injury and how well it is managed. In general, mild cases of turf toe may heal in a few weeks, while more severe cases can take several months for full recovery. To help your child heal as quickly as possible, follow their treatment plan and doctor’s recommendations.

Treating turf toe typically involves a combination of the following:

  • Rest, ice, compression and elevation, a.k.a. “RICE.” The RICE method starts with letting the joint rest and allowing it to heal. Your child should avoid activities that put strain on the big toe joint. Applying ice, compressing the affected area with a bandage, and elevating the foot can help reduce pain and swelling.
  • Anti-inflammatory medications. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can help manage pain and reduce inflammation, but ask your child’s doctor which medications to use. Aspirin and adult-strength medications may not be safe for your child.
  • Custom orthotics. Depending on your child’s injury and sport, their doctor may recommend custom orthotic inserts to support and protect the big toe.
  • Physical therapy. Physical therapy can restore strength and range of motion in the big toe. A physical therapist can provide exercises and techniques to promote healing and prevent future injuries.

Is It Safe to Walk on Turf Toe?

In mild cases of turf toe, it may be possible to walk with some discomfort, although rest is still recommended. Your child should listen to their body and avoid activities that worsen their pain or discomfort.

What Happens to Untreated Turf Toe?

If left untreated, turf toe can lead to complications and chronic issues, including:

  • Increased pain and discomfort
  • Limited range of motion in the big toe
  • Reduced athletic performance
  • Risk of future injuries or damage to the joint

Can You Prevent Turf Toe From Coming Back?

You can reduce your child’s risk of getting turf toe again by helping them take some simple preventive measures:

  • Wear proper footwear with stiff soles that adequately support the big toe joint.
  • Use orthotic inserts if your child’s doctor recommends them.
  • Practice exercises that strengthen the muscles around the big toe joint to provide additional support.
  • Learn proper running and movement techniques to limit strain on the big toe.

Scottish Rite for Children has the experience necessary to help your child overcome (or prevent) turf toe. Call 469-515-7100 to schedule an appointment with one of our experts.

A Newfound Freedom to Walk

A Newfound Freedom to Walk

by | Nov 6, 2023 | Prosthetics & Orthotics

KaDeyja, of San Antonio, enjoys watching Cocomelon® and listening to her favorite song, “The Wheels on the Bus.” During her physical therapy session at Scottish Rite for Children, this animated music video set the tone, creating a playful atmosphere and soundtrack to a pivotal day in her life. At 16 months old, KaDeyja achieved a milestone that any doting parent would record in a baby book — taking her first step. But for KaDeyja and her parents, this accomplishment was extraordinary.

KaDeyja was born with limb differences affecting her right arm, left hand and both legs. Hand surgeon and Director of the Center for Excellence in Hand, Scott Oishi, M.D., FACS, manages the treatment plan for her hand. Chief of Staff Emeritus J. A. “Tony” Herring, M.D., manages the treatment plan for her legs.
 
“In the beginning, she couldn’t roll over,” Stephanie, her mother, says. Later, she had difficulty sitting up and keeping her balance. “We would prop her up with a Boppy® pillow,” she says. For many months, Stephanie carried her everywhere. Eventually, KaDeyja figured out how to sit up and maneuver on her own by scooting on her bottom.

When KaDeyja was developmentally ready to begin walking, Director of Prosthetics Don Cummings, C.P., L.P., fitted her for two prosthetic legs. And then, the big day arrived. KaDeyja tried out her new legs with assistance from physical therapist Megan Mendoza. Pushing a baby doll in a shopping cart, KaDeyja took one step and then another.
 
“When she took her first step, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, she’s doing it!’” Stephanie says. “It was very emotional.” With focus and determination, KaDeyja was walking. Every step was a triumph. As the medical team cheered her on, she walked over to each person in the room and gave them a high five.
 
“Scottish Rite for Children has given us hope,” Stephanie says. “It’s a forever kind of journey at Scottish Rite. They are a piece of our family.”
 
Read the full issue.

Groundbreaking Preclinical Study of Perthes Disease

Groundbreaking Preclinical Study of Perthes Disease

by | Nov 3, 2023 | Research & Innovation

Our research team is working to provide a new treatment method for teenage and adolescent patients who are diagnosed with Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.
 
In this groundbreaking preclinical study of Perthes disease, UT Southwestern Medical Center professor of Orthopaedic Surgery Harry Kim, M.D., M.S., et al., discovered a new effective method to speed up and improve healing of the dead bone using a minimally invasive biomaterial. Currently, there is no effective treatment for teenagers and adolescents who develop Perthes disease/femoral head bone death. This new treatment consists of injecting a growth factor, BMP2, within a delivery agent, hydrogel. This allowed for rapid and consistent healing of the dead bone.

Published September 2023 in npj Regenerative Medicine. Read the complete study.

What Happens During Concussion Testing?

What Happens During Concussion Testing?

by | Nov 1, 2023 | Sports Medicine

What Happens During Concussion Testing?

As a parent, ensuring the safety and well-being of your young athlete is a top priority. While injuries are inevitable in sports, one concern that often arises is the risk of concussions. A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that causes a temporary loss of brain function. These injuries can negatively affect balance, coordination, reflexes and speech, among other skills. 

Concussion testing plays a crucial role in diagnosing and making treatment decisions about a child’s head injury and provides accurate information about your child’s neurological health.

Baseline Concussion Testing With ImPACT

One of the most effective concussion tests your child can have happens before the injury occurs.

A baseline test known as ImPACT measures your child’s memory, reaction times, reasoning skills and abilities in other areas to establish what’s normal for your child. If your child sustains a head injury, specialists can perform the test again. Physicians compare the results to determine if your child has a concussion and, if so, what treatments your child may need.

Your child will take the baseline test online, ideally before the sports season begins. It takes about 20 minutes and asks your child questions appropriate to their age and developmental level. 

The post-injury tests are similar, but if your child is younger than 11, you may need to answer questions about his or her symptoms. A specially trained provider will review the results and provide them to your child’s healthcare team.

Signs Your Child Needs a Concussion Evaluation

Concussions occur following a fall or a blow to the head. The force of the impact shakes the brain, damaging cells and triggering chemical changes. 

It can be difficult to detect a concussion without testing. Some athletes don’t experience symptoms for hours or even days after the event, and kids don’t always think their symptoms are serious enough to sit out the rest of a practice or game.

Contact a sports medicine specialist about an evaluation if your child displays any of the following signs of a concussion immediately or in the days after a head injury: 

·       Acting dazed or stunned 

·       Blurred or double vision 

·       Changes in mood (more anxious, irritable, upset or sad) 

·       Clumsy movements 

·       Confusion 

·       Difficulty concentrating 

·       Dizziness or loss of balance 

·       Fatigue and trouble sleeping 

·       Headaches 

·       Increased sensitivity to light and noise 

·       Slow, slurred speech 

·       Nausea and vomiting 

·       Numbness or weakness in the arms and legs 

Concussion Testing After an Injury 

If your child experienced a head injury, concussion testing helps determine if the event impacted brain function. However, the type of concussion test your child has will depend on the extent of the injury.

Sports medicine physicians use a variety of concussion assessment tools, often starting with a physical exam to review your child’s balance, coordination, hearing, reflexes and vision. 

During a post-injury concussion evaluation, the doctor will ask questions about the injury, including: 

·       What caused it

·       Any signs and symptoms your child has experienced or that you have noticed 

·       Whether or not your child lost consciousness and for how long

Your child’s physician may order imaging tests, such as CT scans and MRIs. These can’t tell you whether your child has had a concussion, but they can reveal bleeding or other injuries resulting from the collision. Bloodwork that checks for proteins associated with mild concussions may also help the physician identify other injuries. 

If your child had a baseline test, he or she will also have a post-injury cognitive test.

Your Child’s Return to School and Play

Depending on the results of the physical exam and post-injury cognitive test, your child’s doctor will begin treatment, which usually focuses on management of concussion symptoms with medication and rest until the concussion fully heals. Kids may need to stay home from school for a few days and gradually return with shorter days, reduced workloads and more break periods.

You’ll want to work with your child’s doctor, school nurse, athletic trainer and coaches to ease your child back on the field or court. Work with the school’s athletic department or local sports organization, as well, because they may have different protocols about when your child can return, even if the doctor clears him or her for participation. 

Accurate concussion evaluation is essential for proper healing and the prevention of further concussions and complications. In addition, following the doctor’s orders about when to return to sports and other activities is critical. If your child participates in sports before a concussion heals and has another injury, he or she may experience severe brain damage. 

Scottish Rite for Children Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center offers high quality care for concussions and other sports injuries from a dedicated team of sports medicine specialists. Call 469-515-7100 to schedule a baseline testing appointment with one of our athletic trainers and learn more about our concussion program.