Can paediatric foot orthotics help my child?

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paediatric foot orthotic

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Category: littleSTEPS® orthotic

Can paediatric foot orthotics help my child?

Does your child have flat feet or other foot problems? Does your child have difficulty walking, running or playing sports because of the pain he or she experiences when doing it or because of impaired coordination? Then perhaps your child would benefit from paediatric foot orthotics that are prescribed to treat your child’s unique foot problems. Let’s consider what foot orthotics are, what paediatric ones should look like and how they can help children.

What are foot orthotics?

Foot orthotics or orthoses are shoe inserts that are specially designed to provide support to the feet and improve foot and body posture. A podiatrist or other medical professional may prescribe orthotics to people who struggle with foot or leg problems that are affecting their health and overall well-being.

What should paediatric foot orthotics look like?

Paediatric foot orthotics are specifically designed to help treat common foot problems experienced in children. They should essentially deliver a prescription-based correction to effectively treat the unique foot problem and foot type of the child. Ideally, orthotics for children should offer optimal support to resist torsion and twist. However, they also need to be comfortable – with a non-skid, soft-edge feel – otherwise, your child will resist wearing them. Some of the features to look out for include a deep heel cup to control the heel and foot, deep media and lateral flanges to align the foot, medial rearfoot posting and medial skive to control pronation.

Can paediatric foot orthotics help my child?

Paediatric foot orthotics can certainly help your child if they are experiencing foot-related problems. Orthotics are effective for toe walking and can also help support flat feet, which thereby improves overall posture. They can also control heel pain, specifically Sever’s disease. Sever’s disease is the most common cause of heel pain in growing children, particularly in those who exercise or play sports regularly. It occurs when the growth plate in the back of the heel becomes painful and inflamed. Interestingly, orthotics can also help reduce growing pains. Not only that, but they can also build strength and improve low muscle tone in children.

Do an assessment now with your child or contact us for more information about our littleSTEPS® paediatric foot orthotics, or to set up a virtual consultation for your child. Your child will not simply outgrow any challenges they have with their feet – it is best to attend to any issues now rather than leave them untreated.

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