Writing

[Rebecca Holton]

My husband's niece, Rosie, will be 21 in July. Over the past couple of years, her ability to write by hand has diminished because her fingers have become so tightly curled, and she's quite sad about this. Are there any exercises that a GAN patient can do to loosen up curled fingers? Does anyone have any tips on how to make handwriting easier for someone with GAN?

[Gigi]

Hello Rebecca,

I am the mother of a 6yr old boy with GAN (Ethan). Ethan is having those issues currently with his feet and his hand strength is diminished as well. His OT therapist made him a weight bearing custom hand splint to keep his fingers straight when he puts weight on his hands. His pinky fingers on both hands are beginning to curl. Ethan also wears McKee Splints when he writes to make holding a writing instruments easier. I am going to try putting on something on his fingers and feet while he sleeps to help them remain straight. I haven't found the material yet, when I do I will let you know. I'm thinking it would have to be a dense foam like the type used for hammer toes in adults.
Hope this helps.
Gigi