Orthotics are medical devices that provide support for children who have trouble with walking, balance and other movements. At Children’s Health℠, our pediatric orthotics team has training and experience in fitting children with these devices. We understand the important differences in how children walk, run and jump at all ages. We work with your child’s doctor to choose a device for your child and make sure it fits, feels and works just right.
Overview
Pediatric orthotics are braces and other devices that help children walk, run and move better. Orthotics can help children who are born with or develop problems in their muscles, bones or joints.
Orthotics range from simple insoles to more specialized devices that provide support and help with movement. They correct problems with bone and joint alignment in the feet, ankles, knees, hips and lower back.
Children as young as age 1 can wear orthotics. These devices help guide foot development and leg alignment – now and in the future – so your child can walk, move and run without pain.
Benefits
Orthotics for children provide:
Proper alignment for joints to help children meet developmental milestones, such as walking, balance, posture and other gross motor (large movement) skills
Support and stability for joints, bones and muscles as they heal from an injury or surgery
Management for a wide range of long-term conditions that are present at birth or develop later, including muscular dystrophy and scoliosis
Specific benefits of pediatric orthotics include:
Improved ability to move, walk, play and run
Better balance, stability, endurance and joint alignment
Increased independence and ability to do daily activities
Side Effects
Orthotics are a safe, effective treatment option for children. The team of experts at Children’s Health works hard to carefully fit your child’s orthotic to reduce the risk of side effects.
Sometimes, an orthotic can be too tight or it may not fit well. These issues can cause side effects such as:
Redness on their skin
Blisters
Broken skin
Pressure sores
Skin issues can become serious if not treated. Be sure to contact your child’s orthotist if they experience any of these side effects. We’ll take new measurements and adjust the orthotic so that it fits well and doesn’t cause any problems.
What to Expect
Before your child gets orthotics, they’ll need a thorough assessment by a trained physical therapist. The therapist will check your child’s:
Posture and alignment
Range of motion to check whether their joint movement is right for their daily activities
Muscle tone to check if their muscles are too tight or too flexible
Gait (walking pattern) to see how their body moves as they walk
Muscle strength
If your child can benefit from orthotics, their physical therapist will contact their pediatrician to get a prescription for their orthotic device. Your child will then need an appointment with a pediatric orthotist. An orthotist is a health care professional who measures for and creates orthotics.
At Children’s Health, our orthotist specializes in creating children’s orthotics. They will carefully measure your child’s foot to create the right device for their needs. It may take a few weeks for the device to be finished.
Once your child’s device is ready, the orthotist will show you how to put it on their foot and/or ankle. Your child needs to wear the device as much as possible during the day, especially to school. They don’t need to wear the orthotic while sleeping.
How to Prepare
You should always ask your child’s therapist any questions you have about their orthotics. Suggested questions include:
What type of orthotics does my child need?
How long will my child need orthotics?
Does my child need physical therapy in addition to their orthotics?
How often does my child need to wear orthotics?