Growing Feet, Grown Benefits: Why Your Child Might Need Custom Orthotics
Children are constantly exploring the world and burning off energy. But what if their feet aren’t keeping up? Custom orthotics might be necessary for kids experiencing foot pain, gait abnormalities, or certain conditions like in-toeing or out-toeing.
In this article, we at My Chicago Foot Expert will go over the benefits of custom orthotics and why children may need them.
Benefits of Custom Orthotics for Children
- Improved Posture and Gait: Orthotics can help correct imbalances and misalignments, leading to better posture and a more efficient walking pattern.
- Pain Relief: Common childhood foot problems like flat feet and in-toeing can be effectively addressed with orthotics. Proper support alleviates pain and allows your child to participate fully in activities.
- Enhanced Balance and Stability: Orthotics provide a stable foundation for growing feet. This improves balance and coordination and is crucial for active children involved in athletics.
- Prevention of Future Problems: Early intervention with orthotics can help guide proper foot development, which prevents serious issues like bunions, plantar fasciitis, and even back pain later in life.
- Increased Comfort: Orthotics can boost your child’s confidence by allowing them to participate comfortably in everyday life.
Does Your Child Need Orthotics?
If your child has persistent foot pain, frequent ankle sprains, difficulty keeping up with peers, or uneven shoe wear and tear, consult a podiatrist to discuss if custom orthotics are right for them.
Orthotics might also be the answer if your child has:
- Sever’s Disease: This common cause of heel pain in active children occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed. Orthotics can alleviate this discomfort and promote proper alignment.
- In-toeing (Pigeon Toeing) and Out-toeing: This is when a child’s feet turn inward or outward. Orthotics with specific wedging or posting can gently guide the feet into a neutral position.
- High Arches: Orthotics with built-in cushioning and support can distribute pressure more evenly across the foot.
Want the perfect fit for your feet? Contact the personable staff at My Chicago Foot Expert. Call us at (773) 561-8100 or click here to schedule an appointment with Cook County podiatrist Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM. Come visit our comfortable, modern office in Ravenswood today!
