When you think of custom orthotics, you likely don’t immediately think of a child. But this doesn’t mean that children cannot benefit from all of the benefits that orthotics have to offer!
If you notice that your child has a particular foot condition such as flat feet, ingrown toenails, stress fractures or bunions, orthotics can be a simple way to help provide them with the relief that they need. Catching developing childhood foot-related problems before they fully develop is an essential part to their long-term foot health.
A Screening Exam
At Alpine Foot Specialists, our team can help determine if your child could benefit from orthotics. We will complete a lower extremity exam and observe your child’s gait. We will also look at their knee-to-foot alignment to see if your child has something that we call “knock knees.” Next, we will examine the Achilles tendon to see if it is straight. Other tests that we can perform include checking for subluxations, toe-raise test that measures flexibility, checking the medial arches, and looking at your child’s shoes to see if they have signs of excessive lateral heel wear.
When to See a Professional?
Keep in mind that children usually do not benefit from custom orthotics until they are around six years old. Orthotics are also helpful for children who often participate in sports, as orthotics can have a large impact on gait and running performance.
Contact Our Team Today
If you believe your child could benefit from an appointment with one of our qualified doctors, don’t hesitate to contact us today! We look forward to seeing you!