Free Orthotics Replacement During Child Growth
The human foot is a highly complex structure, composed of 26 bones working together to allow the foot to adapt to uneven terrain, acting as a shock absorber with each step. These bones will usually stop growth by the age of 18.
The main difference of a child’s foot compared with that of an adult is that it grows. The child may be at risk from certain foot and lower limb problems at different ages as the feet and lower limbs develop. Causes within the foot related to the posture of the foot as it develops can make the foot appear flat-footed.
The main difference of a child’s foot compared with that of an adult is that it grows. The child may be at risk from certain foot and lower limb problems at different ages as the feet and lower limbs develop. Causes within the foot related to the posture of the foot as it develops can make the foot appear flat-footed.
Flat Feet in ChildrenMost babies have feet that look flat. This is because the arch is not properly formed until about age 6. However, there are some children who do have abnormal flat feet. This is why it's important to have your child properly examined to discern whether his/her flat feet are normal.
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When should my child be examined?
If, structurally, flat feet persist beyond the age of 5 or 6, the child's feet should be examined by using a professional device or a doctor of podiatric medicine. In addition, you should also consider having your child's feet examined if there is a family history of arch and heel pain, as there is a strong genetic basis to problems of this nature.
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Flexible Flatfoot in ChildrenFlexible flatfoot is common in children. When a child with flexible flatfoot stands, the arch of the foot disappears. Upon sitting or when the child is on tiptoes, the arch reappears. The opposite of Flexible Flat Foot is Structural Flat Foot, a condition where the child's foot is flat all the time - when lying down, sitting, standing, walking, running – whenever. If Flexible Flatfoot continues into adolescence, a child may experience aching pain along the bottom of the foot.
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Common Foot Problems in ChildrenThere are 4 common pediatric foot problems including plantar warts, flat feet, heel pain, and ingrown toenails. Some of these conditions take on different characteristics or may occur more frequently in children due to the nature of their developing bodies and their active lifestyles.
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Will my child need orthotics or corrective shoes?
If your child's feet collapse severely in stance and pain is present, or if the foot is a flexible flat foot, then an orthotic device may be considered. With children, it is extremely important that the orthotics be customized, designed and be seen by a specialist with experience in biomechanics.
What about a simple insole or over-the-counter arch support?
The insole or arch support may be helpful for symptomatic relief of many types of problems. However, they do not adequately control a “Flexible Flat Foot” and “Structural Flat Foot” - the kind of foot that severely collapses in stance. Please have your child's feet thoroughly examined to make sure whether these inserts will do more help or harm to the condition.
If you're concerned about your child’s feet, we can help.
GoodARCH provides a plan to give your child a better start in life. The plan includes a specialty foot arch alignment and early-childhood re-alignment service. The best time to condition your child's feet is at 6-12 years of age.
Specifically made for your child
Unlike generic, over-the-counter orthotics, our GoodARCH orthotics are custom designed for your child. Correcting imbalances in your child’s feet can properly benefit their postural alignment, mobility and total body wellness throughout their entire life.
Free Orthotics Replacements During Child Growth
Many of the problems found on childrens' feet are associated with growth, overuse, weight gain and postural change. As we mentioned above, the bones in our feet are usually fully hardened by the age of 18. During child growth, any postural foot abnormality could have an effect further up the body, altering posture and walking style. GoodARCH provides FREE Orthotics replacement service during child growth until their arch is fully grown.