What are the Benefits of Orthotics for Children?
Wednesday 3 July 2024
As parents, we all want the best for our children, especially when it comes to their health and well-being.
One area often overlooked is the health of their feet.
Children's feet are the foundation for their physical development, and any issues during these formative years can lead to long-term problems.
Choosing to use orthoses to treat your child's foot and leg problems should be based on clinical need, not financial ability.
Complete Podiatry now offers GAP FREE* orthoses to all the children we treat.
We have decided to significantly reduce the fees for orthoses prescribed for all the children we see in our clinics.
If your child is under 18, and you have a health fund that will pay $375 to cover our costs, you won’t pay a gap for your children's orthoses.
If you don’t have a health fund, your child's orthoses will only cost $375 plus the consult fee.
This is a saving of over $100 for each child's orthoses.
It's just another example of how we are trying to find better ways to help the families we care for.
Orthotics, custom-made inserts for shoes, can play a significant role in ensuring your child’s feet develop correctly and remain pain-free.
Here, we explore the benefits of orthotics for children by addressing some common questions.
Question 1: Why might my child need orthotics?
Children’s feet are still developing, and it’s not uncommon for them to experience foot and leg pain as they grow.
Some signs that your child might benefit from orthotics include frequent complaints of foot or leg pain, uneven shoe wear, and difficulties in walking or running.
Orthotics can help in the following ways:
- Correcting Foot Alignment: Many children have flat feet or other alignment issues that can cause discomfort and lead to problems like knee and back pain. Orthotics can provide the necessary support to correct these alignment issues, promoting better posture and overall comfort.
- Reducing Pain and Discomfort: Children who complain of pain in their feet, ankles, or legs might have underlying conditions like plantar fasciitis or heel pain. Orthotics can cushion and support the feet, reducing pain and making it easier for them to engage in activities they love.
- Preventing Long-Term Issues: Without proper support, minor foot issues in children can develop into more serious problems as they grow. By using orthotics early, you can help prevent conditions like bunions, hammertoes, and other deformities.
Question 2: How do orthotics work for children?
Orthotics work by providing support and cushioning to the feet, helping to correct biomechanical issues and improve overall foot function. Here’s a closer look at how they can benefit children:
- Customized Fit: Unlike over-the-counter insoles, our 3D custom orthotics are designed specifically for your child’s feet.
- Support and Stability: Children are constantly on the move, and their growing bodies need stability. Orthotics provide the necessary arch support and heel stabilization, reducing strain on the feet and legs during activities.
- Encouraging Proper Development: The bones, muscles, and ligaments in children’s feet are still developing. Orthotics can guide this development, ensuring that the feet grow in a healthy and natural alignment.
- Enhancing Athletic Performance: Many children are involved in sports and physical activities. Orthotics can improve balance, reduce fatigue, and enhance overall performance by providing better foot mechanics and shock absorption.
Question 3: What is the process of getting orthotics for my child?
The process of getting orthotics for your child involves several steps, all aimed at ensuring the best fit and maximum benefit:
- Consultation and Examination: The first step is a consultation with a podiatrist. During this visit, the podiatrist will conduct a thorough examination of your child’s feet, looking for any issues with alignment, gait, and foot structure.
- Gait Analysis: A gait analysis involves observing how your child walks and runs. This helps the podiatrist understand any abnormalities in movement and identify areas where support is needed.
- Custom Molding: Using our 3D scanning technology of your child’s feet, we can capture an accurate impression of the feet to ensure a perfect fit.
- Fitting and Adjustment: Once the orthotics are made, your child will have a fitting session. The podiatrist will ensure the orthotics fit properly within your child’s shoes and make any necessary adjustments. It’s important for the orthotics to be comfortable and effective in providing support.
- Follow-Up and Monitoring: Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor your child’s progress and make any needed adjustments to the orthotics. Children’s feet grow quickly, so periodic check-ups will ensure the orthotics continue to provide optimal support.
Orthotics can be a valuable tool in promoting healthy foot development in children.
We truly hope this *Gap free offer, will help our clients receive the best of care for their children by reducing some of the financial barriers to the best health care we can offer.
Come and see us at our Adelaide Hills Podiatry clinic in Aldgate, we are always trying to find a better way to ensure our clients can benefit from the best treatment options and get the best possible clinical results for their children.
Administrator
Complete Podiatry