Kids are not just smaller versions of adults. They have their own unique set of considerations and challenges when designing a device for them. Whether it is a straight forward custom foot orthotic or a more complicated custom made brace we need to make many considerations that are unique to the pediatric patient.
Included in these considerations we ask ourselves the following questions: How to do we account for growth when it happens? What about developmental changes as the child becomes able to do more? How do we help them with their various activities (eg. Make the orthotics fit inside a soccer cleat)? How can we involve the child in the design process so that they want to wear the brace?
Every child is unique in a number of different ways and we strive to account for every difference to come up with the best devices possible. We also offer a number of different shoes to help with every situation.
One question that we hear often is what age should my child have their feet looked at? There is no hard and fast rule about this. In general, we will only fit them with a device if we absolutely feel it is necessary. Our best advice is to book them in for an assessment and we will go over your concerns with you and analyze their biomechanics, gait and symptoms and together we can make the best decision with you. We do not charge for pediatric assessments, please feel free to take advantage of this offer.
Some of the issues that we will see children for are:
- Foot and knee pain
- Hypermobility (excessive joint laxity)
- Cerebral Palsy
- Spina Bifida
- Developmental Delay
- Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT)
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Idiopathic toe walking
- Scoliosis
- Many more…