What is a pediatric orthotic?
Pediatric orthotics are medical devices that are designed to support or correct issues with the feet, legs, and other parts of the body in children. They are typically custom-made to fit the unique needs of each child and can be made from a variety of materials, typically a combination of different plastics and fabric.
Pediatric orthotics may be recommended for a variety of conditions, such as flat feet and scoliosis. Orthotics can provide support and help correct the alignment of the feet in children with flat feet. Similarly they can be used to support the spine in children with scoliosis, helping to prevent the curvature of the spine from getting worse.
Pediatric custom orthotics are made using a sleek design to be worn inside shoes. Some are designed specifically to control the rear foot motion to obtain a correct gait pattern. At PS Foot and Ankle we are equipped with the latest scanning technology to create an ideal customized pediatric orthotic.
Why are pediatric orthotics useful?
Pediatric orthotics are useful for several reasons:
- Correction of skeletal abnormalities: Pediatric orthotics can be used to correct skeletal abnormalities in children, such as flat feet, toe walking, scoliosis, and other conditions. By providing support and proper alignment to the affected body parts, orthotics can help improve the child’s posture, gait, and overall mobility.
- Improved balance and stability: For children with conditions such as cerebral palsy or spina bifida, orthotics can provide support and stability to the affected body parts, helping to improve balance and prevent falls.
- Pain relief: Children with certain conditions, such as plantar fasciitis or Sever’s disease, may experience pain in their feet or ankles. Pediatric orthotics can help relieve this pain by providing support and cushioning to the affected areas.
- Injury prevention: Orthotics can help prevent injuries in active children by providing support and protection to the feet, ankles, and other body parts during sports, dance, and many physical activities.
- Overall improved quality of life: For children with mobility limitations, orthotics can improve their quality of life by allowing them to participate in activities that might otherwise be difficult or impossible.
Overall, pediatric orthotics can be a valuable tool in helping children with various conditions achieve optimal mobility and function. Orthotics take a certain time to become comfortable but they are worth the investment as they improve posture and overall form. Come into PS Foot & Ankle for an evaluation, where we carefully calculate and create custom orthotics for your child.