Generic or custom orthotic inserts can help patients manage or overcome a number of different health issues. When you think of a someone using an orthotic inset, you probably picture an older adult dealing with some age-related foot changes, but that’s certainly not the only group who can benefit from orthotics. Many children stand to benefit from adding an orthotic insert to their shoe, but as a parent, how can you know if an orthotic insert is right for your child? We explain when your child may benefit from a custom orthotic in today’s blog.
Does My Kid Need An Orthotic Insert?
Before we dive into some situations that could potentially be improved with a custom orthotic insert, we want to make one thing very clear. The single best way to answer the question at the heart of this blog is to ask your child’s pediatrician or an orthopaedic specialist like Dr. Silverman. They will be able to view your child’s feet in person and can make individualized treatment recommendations based on their unique foot issues. A recommendation from a specialist who can see your child’s feet in their clinic should always be taken over the general advice that you read on the internet.
With that said, here are some times when it may be wise to consult with a doctor about your child’s foot issues to see if orthotics or other treatments may be right.
Arch Pain – If your child is complaining about arch pain, it could be because their arch is not getting enough support in their shoes. This is a common place for discomfort to develop, especially in active and growing children and teens. A high arch or overly flat feet may mean that stress isn’t hitting their foot ideally, and an orthotic insert can help change that.
Heel Pain – Another potential sign that your child could benefit from an orthotic insert is if they mention heel pain and they haven’t received any direct trauma to the area recently. If they jumped from a high height and landed on their feet or played six soccer games in a weekend, heel pain may be expected, but if heel pain seems to have less of an obvious cause, other issues may be developing below the surface that can be managed with orthotic inserts.
In-toeing/Out-toeing – If you’re child’s feet are pointed inward or outward when they stand and walk, it’s a smart idea to have a conversation with your pediatrician. In-toeing and out-toeing may be managed with orthotic inserts or some physical therapy exercises.
Visible Gait Abnormalities – If you notice that your child is walking with a limp or some other obvious gait impairment, it could be due to the fact that stress is being abnormally placed on their feet. Orthotic inserts may be one form of treatment, but it’s unlikely to be the only treatment method for obvious gait issues.
Balance Issues/Falls – Finally, if your child is having balance issues or they are having a tough time staying on their feet, they may be able to strengthen their feet with the help of custom orthotics that redistribute stress along their foot.
These factors should help to guide a conversation with your doctor and should not be used to self-diagnose your child’s best route of care. We want your kid to treat their foot issue, and that will be best achieved by working with a doctor who can visualize their problem in person. For more information, reach out to Dr. Silverman by filling out this contact form.