Pediatric orthotics for kids
Or-tho-tic
Orthopedic device aiming to increase an organ’s physiological performance.
Pediatric orthotics for kids, what is it?
Pediatric orthotics are custom-moulded insoles inserted in a child’s shoes to help guide the feet during every stage of development and promote optimal posture. Unlike in adults, children’s feet are constantly evolving, making it possible to affect their structures in the various stages of growth, correcting an issue rather than solely providing support.
The feet of children as young as 3 years old are sufficiently developed to benefit from orthotics. In fact, the development of the feet’s structures, such as bones, ligaments and muscles, will vary depending on the forces applied. If misaligned, these structures will continue to grow in this misalignment. The earlier orthotics are worn, the greater their effect will be on a patient’s alignment.
Pediatric orthotics for kids, who is it for?
Orthotics can be beneficial to any child presenting one of the following:
- An abnormal gait or a gait with feet turning inwards
- A plantar misalignment (flat or high arches)
- Excessive wear and tear of shoes
- Frequent falls
- Difficulty running as fast as other children their age
- Pain in the feet, legs, knees or back
- Growing pains in the legs
- Premature fatigue when taking part in physical activities
- Deformation of the feet (bunions, early signs of hammer toes)
- Accumulation of calluses (hard skin)
- The development of bumps (e.g. Behind the heel)
- Crooked knees or ankles
What are the earnings of pediatric orthotics for kids?
- Potential to correct the misalignment instead of simply providing support
- Easily fit into regular children’s shoes
- Optimization of posture in general
- Reduction of muscle fatigue
- Improved stability and balance
- Corrective force applied at each step taken, therefore, thousands of times per day!
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Patient history and comprehensive biomechanical exam
Assessment of foot function, posture, gait and plantar pressures using sensors connected to cameras.
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3D casting in optimal position
This is a crucial step to accurately correct deviations and ensure the treatment will have the desired impact.
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Prescription of orthotics based on results
A variety of materials and types of orthotics exist to meet the individual needs of each patient.
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Follow-up and optimization of a unique technology
Pressure sensors are inserted into the patient’s shoes to measure how their feet respond to the orthotics. Precise adjustments can than be performed.
I will have to buy special shoes for my child’s orthotics!
The majority of custom orthotics are made to be worn in ordinary children’s shoes. However, your podiatrist can tell you more about the characteristics to look for in a shoe in order to optimize the effect of the prescribed orthotics.
My child will find the orthotics uncomfortable and won’t want to wear them!
On the contrary, children adapt much more quickly and more easily to orthotics than adults. In general, they wear them without issue on the very first day!