Foot for Thought - August 27, 2009

Since the last few posts have been dedicated to back to school foot care and shoes for your children, today's Foot for Thought focuses on orthotics for kids.

Orthotics are shoe inserts that are intended to correct an abnormal, or irregular walking pattern. They perform functions that make standing, walking, and running more comfortable and efficient by altering slightly the angles at which the foot strikes a walking or running surface. As such, orthotics are often effective in the treatment of children with foot deformities or to improve foot performance for some athletes.

If we determines that your child needs to be fitted for orthotics, those orthotics will usually need to be replaced when the child’s foot has grown two sizes. Different types of orthotics may be needed as the child’s foot develops and changes shape.

The length of time a child needs orthotics varies considerably, depending on the seriousness of the deformity and how soon the correction is addressed.

For more information about orthotics for your childern or if you think your child might need orthotics, please contact me at 309-661-9975 or at http://www.heartlandfootandankle.com