Can Orthotics Help Children with Foot Problems?

As a parent, you want nothing more than to see your child happy, healthy, and pain-free. When your little one starts complaining about foot pain or you notice changes in how they walk or play, it can be concerning. You might find yourself wondering if there's something you can do to help them feel more comfortable and confident on their feet.

One option before scheduling specialist appointments at a pediatric podiatrist may be to talk to a Certified Pedorthist. That’s because in some cases, orthotics for kids can be an effective solution for foot-related issues.

Are there orthotics for kids?

The short answer is yes—custom orthotics can be made for children of nearly any shoe size. However, this raises an important follow-up question: are orthotics necessary or helpful for kids?

Kids orthotics can be beneficial in several scenarios, but it's important to remember that children's feet are constantly growing and changing. Until the teenage years or sometimes even later, kids will continue to grow and require larger shoes and different types of orthotic shoe inserts to continue getting the right support. This means that pediatric orthotics often need to be adjusted or replaced more frequently than adult versions.

The good news is that modern orthotic technology makes it possible to create effective, comfortable support for growing feet. A custom orthotics lab like ours at Biocorrect can create orthotic insoles that accommodate growth patterns while providing the necessary support and correction.

Children who may benefit from orthotics

Several scenarios indicate that a child might benefit from professional orthotic evaluation and treatment. Understanding these situations can help you make informed decisions about your child's foot health.

Hereditary biomechanical issues

Some children naturally have foot mechanics that can benefit from additional support. This might include issues with arch development, foot positioning, or gait patterns that could improve with orthotic intervention.

And if foot problems run in your family, your child might be predisposed to similar issues that you can start to counter early. Early intervention with orthotic insoles can sometimes help prevent or minimize the side effects of inherited foot conditions.

Conservative approach to diagnosed conditions

When children receive diagnoses for specific foot conditions, orthotics often serve as a conservative, non-invasive treatment option. These conditions may include:

• Plantar fasciitis in children: Though less common than in adults, children can develop plantar fasciitis, especially active kids involved in sports. Orthotic shoe inserts for kids can help redistribute pressure and provide arch support to alleviate heel pain.
• Fallen arches or flat feet: Many children have naturally flat feet, but some may benefit from arch support if the condition causes pain or affects their ability to participate in activities. Kids orthotics can provide gentle arch support during foot development.
• Heel pain conditions: Conditions like Sever's disease (calcaneal apophysitis) commonly affect growing children, particularly those involved in sports. Custom orthotics can help reduce stress on the heel bone and surrounding tissues.
• Toe walking: Some children habitually walk on their toes, which can lead to tight calf muscles and other issues. Orthotics may be part of a comprehensive treatment plan to encourage proper heel-to-toe walking patterns.
• Overpronation or supination: When children's feet roll inward (overpronation) or outward (supination) excessively, it can affect their entire body alignment. Kids orthotic insoles can help correct these biomechanical issues.

Sports-related pain in feet/lower limbs

If you have an active child (and let’s face it, who doesn’t?) who complains about foot or leg pain after playing sports or practicing, it may signal that they could benefit from a professional evaluation. Young athletes put significant stress on their developing feet and legs, and proper support can make a substantial difference in their comfort and performance.

Common sports-related issues that may benefit from orthotics for kids include:

• Shin splints: Pain along the shinbone is common in young runners and athletes. Proper foot support can help address biomechanical issues that contribute to shin splints.
• Knee pain: Foot mechanics directly affect knee alignment. When children experience knee pain during or after sports activities, the root cause might be found in their foot mechanics.
• General foot fatigue: Young athletes who complain of tired, achy feet after practice or games may benefit from additional arch support and cushioning provided by kids orthotics.
• Ankle instability: Children who frequently roll their ankles or complain of ankle pain may have musculoskeletal issues that orthotic support can help address.

Recent changes in desired activities/behavior

Sometimes children can't articulate exactly what's bothering them about their feet. As a parent, you might notice behavioral changes that could indicate foot discomfort. Watch for these potential warning signs:

• Less interest in playing outdoors: If your previously active child suddenly shows less enthusiasm for outdoor play or physical activities, foot discomfort might be a contributing factor.
• Difficulty standing for long periods: Children who seem unable to stand comfortably for extended periods—during school activities, waiting in lines, or at events—may be experiencing foot fatigue or pain.
• Shoe preferences or avoidance: Kids who become very particular about which shoes they'll wear, or who refuse to walk barefoot when they used to enjoy it, might be unconsciously seeking better foot support.
• Complaints about leg or foot pain: Any direct complaints about foot, ankle, or leg pain should be taken seriously, especially if they occur regularly or interfere with daily activities.
• Changes in walking or running patterns: If you notice your child limping, favoring one foot, or walking differently than usual, it's worth investigating potential foot issues.
• Increased requests to be carried: Children who suddenly ask to be carried more often or seem to tire easily during walks may be experiencing foot discomfort.

What to expect from an orthotic evaluation

At Biocorrect, we’re happy to help kids of all ages start to find the relief they need to enjoy their lives fully. We also understand the hesitancy to make or attend an appointment without knowing at least a little about what will happen.

When you come into our lab for an orthotic evaluation or have a virtual evaluation, the process typically involves:

• Foot and lower limb assessment: A Certified Pedorthist will evaluate your child's foot structure, gait pattern, and any specific concerns or symptoms you may have.
• Foot measurements and impressions Precise measurements ensure that kids' orthotic insoles fit properly and provide appropriate support. This can be done in several ways depending on your method of treatment.
• Activity-specific recommendations: If your child participates in specific sports or activities, we can design orthotics that work well with their athletic footwear and movement patterns. This includes material use, cushioning or lack thereof, and more options.

Custom support at any age with Biocorrect orthotics

When it comes to your child's foot health, professional expertise makes all the difference. Biocorrect specializes in creating custom orthotics for many shoe sizes and frequently designs prescription orthotics for children throughout West Michigan and across the country.

To learn more about how you can get started from anywhere with orthotics that may make life a little less painful for your child, call our team or request more information online today. We can’t wait to work with you and get you the care your family needs.