Do Children Need Orthotics?

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As a parent you want the best for your children. Where their health is concerned, early medical intervention often produces the best outcomes, but do children need orthotics?

Children’s orthotics (or shoe inserts) are specifically designed to alter gait and re-align foot posture. However, herein lies the problem: children frequently present with flat feet and it isn’t always an issue. Notice how in the above picture, all children who are weight-bearing (standing, walking) appear flat-footed! This is especially true for new weight bearers (toddlers). Almost all toddlers have no arch because it’s still being developed, and can only develop through the act of walking (and other movements as they get older).

However, that’s not to say all children with flat feet will grow out of it. Certainly there are cases of abnormality where orthotics are necessary. Treatment should not be automatic but depends on a number of factors including age, severity and type of problem and whether the child presents with pain.

We often see children with orthotics that actually don’t need them, and their flat-feet are simply a normal part of physical development. That’s why three broad categories are normally applied at The Perth Podiatrists when it comes to children with flat feet: leave alone, treat, or wait and watch. Of course, if pain presents, a tailored treatment plan for flat feet is offered which may include children’s orthotics.

Key takeaway for parents:

  • Children, especially very young children, naturally have flat feet.

  • Children should not be automatically given orthotics — be wary of podiatrists that offer this with little-to-no investigation.

  • Children often outgrow their flat-footedness.

  • Research does not prove or disprove the use of orthotics in the correction of flat feet.

  • Treatment may include footwear modifications, simple calf stretching, or orthotics.

A closer look.

At The Perth Podiatrists, we never over-treat or treat unnecessarily. Instead, our Paediatric Podiatrists offer the very best in terms of experience and expertise in Perth when it comes to the treatment of your child, flat feet and tailored treatment. Please contact The Perth Podiatrists for an appointment to have your child properly assessed.

Gregory McCluney Perth Paediatric Podiatrist DIP. POD, POST. GRAD. DIP. (POD)., M.SC. (POD)

 
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