Kids' Orthotics - orthotic foot supports for children and infants

It has been our experience that proper care and treatment of the feet, beginning in childhood, will prevent many of the mechanical and orthopaedic problems seen in adults. Many children walk excessively pigeon-toed, flat footed, or bowlegged and, although they are not in pain, they are damaging their feet. For example:

Most babies begin life with their toes pointing slightly out. However, if the unborn baby lies with its feet pressed against the womb the wrong way, it can be born with its feet inward. Tripping may be the first sign of toeing in. Many babies naturally appear flatfooted, but as the infant begins to stand and walk this will disappear. Children with flat feet, low arches, may not be able to keep up with other children because of the strain that is added to their feet and legs.

Orthotics do not restrict your child from playing and running

See how this child is pronating to the medial side. This child needs help!! Children’s feet should not be allowed to get this bad.

Foot Development

As a child masters walking the medial arch begins to appear. All toddlers have flat feet because of a low angle of calcaneal inclination, by 5 to 6 years this angle has increased, and in most cases a medial longitudinal arch becomes apparent.

By around 6 years of age, your child should have normal arches in both feet. Children who appear flat-footed have a normal arch, but flatten it when they stand. This movement is called “pronation” and may cause painful symptoms and make the child tire easily. In this case orthotics may be useful to improve the foot posture and also relieve painful symptoms, through proper fitting of orthotics for children.

Appearance of Excess Pronation:

• When standing, your child’s heels lean inward when viewed from behind.
• When standing, one or both of your child’s kneecaps turn inward.
• Feet appear flat.
• Bunions are present. These appear as a bony swelling on the inside of the foot at the base of the big toe (see picture).
• Knee pain occurring after sports or increased activity.
• Knee pain may be worse when climbing stairs. The knee pain slowly goes away with rest.
• The soles and heels of shoes wear out quickly.

THE 5 STEPS IN MAKING ORTHOTICS FOR CHILDREN	1. An impression is taken of the child's feet	2. A cast is formed from the impression with the customer's prescription added to the cast
3. Then a light weight eva is moulded to the cast on our special vacuum moulder	4. Then it is trimmed and shaped to the child’s prescription	5. Then covered in a velour in a choice of colours. This material is washable by hand at low temperature.

Very specialised orthotics		A variety of colours to choose from

Call 020 7486 4664 to make an appointment.