91.
Tight heel cords can be treated while a young child rides a rocking horse by fitting the horse with stirrups so that the feet will be stretched up to a more normal position as he/she rocks.
92.
Contractures can be measured by folding a piece of paper to match the angle of the joint, tracing the folded edge onto a second sheet and measuring it with a protractor. By keeping a record of the degree of contracture, the caregiver can see progress and is more likely to keep working hard at stretching exercises to correct the contractures.
93.
Balancing exercises are important because loss of balance can result in a fall with possible injury. Holding on to someone while standing on each foot alone is a simple way to improve balance.
94.
A foot board (one-half- to three-quarter-inch plywood padded with a blanket will do) for support at the foot of the bed to keep the feet propped at the ankles during sleep, helps prevent ankle contractures. Of course, this means you must be able to sleep on your back with both feet against the board. You could, however, be side-lying with at least one foot against the board for some effect.
95.
If your heels feel sore while you're lying on your back, place a small pillow under your calves to relieve heel pressure. This same technique can be used during the day when you prop up your feet to reduce swelling. Tender heels can be toughened by patting them with a moist teabag at night. When the tea dries, the tannic acid it contains will act to harden (and slightly discolor) the skin. Passive stretching of the knee can be accomplished by placing the calves on a pillow supported by a hassock or kitchen chair. In this way, your heels aren't resting on the supporting surface and there is no heel pressure that might reduce local vascular circulation.
96.
Hand exercises can be fun. Try learning sign language and playing "shadow puppets." Or squeeze the poles of a toy that makes an articulated animal go loop-de-loop. Fingers are exercised comfortably by squeezing a washcloth or sponge in a basin of warm water.
97.
Exercising with your child can be made entertaining by strapping a small bell or flag to the arm or leg so that it will ring or flap when the child moves.
98.
The easiest way to stretch heel cord contractures is to stand at arm's length from a wall and place your hands on the wall. Lean toward the wall, bending your elbows, while keeping the heels flat on the floor and the knees straight, and attempt to touch the wall with your chest. If this is too hard you can start with your feet closer to the wall, or bend one knee at a time.
99.
When a child is seated, his feet should always be supported. A box or large book will do. Dangling feet are more prone to develop contractures.
100.
Simple breathing exercises can be performed by blowing through a straw, blowing up balloons or blowing a ping pony ball on a tabletop or other flat surface. Playing a harmonica, kazoo or other wind instrument is a pleasant way to exercise the lungs.
101.
Excessive heat will increase symptoms in those with myasthenia gravis. Swimming in a cool pool is the best exercise for these patients. Cool foods and drink are also easier to swallow. Emotional stress, even positive stress, increases weakness in this disease and should be avoided. That's right, you can have too much fun!
