Orthotics for children

Orthotics for young children can be useful in cases where the child displays a flat foot or excess pronation (fallen arches and rolling inward of the ankle joint) or if the child experiences aches or pains, such as heel pain (Sever’s Disease) or knee pain (Osgood Schlatters), or simply growing pains.

It should be noted that all small children have flat feet; this is totally normal. By the age of 4 to 5 you will see their arches starting to develop, by the age of 7 to 8 a normal arch should be visible.

However, in a lot of children the foot remains flat, or only a very low arch is showing. Arch height is not the main concern in young children. The more important question is whether your child displays any excess pronation or over-pronation, that is the rolling inward of the ankles and associated low or flat arch.

Excess pronation is easily diagnosed. If you draw an imaginary line from the tip of the ankle bone downwards to the ground and this line ends away from the foot, your child over-pronates and their feet need correcting (see example photo below).

Over-pronation may cause the child to develop an abnormal gait pattern. At a young age these children may not experience any specific foot complaint, but later on they are likely to develop conditions such Children’s Heel Pain (Sever’s Disease), Children’s Knee pain (Osgood-Schlatters disease), general foot pain, ankle pain and/or aching legs. Growing pains (which all children will experience) are often more severe in children with over-pronating feet, than in children with “normal” feet.

Osgood Schlatters is pain around the front of the knee. It commonly occurs in children from the ages of  10 to 15. When the tendon that runs from the patella (knee cap) to the tibial tuberosity (bump on the front of the shin bone just below the knee cap) pulls excessively. This causes the growth plate located at the tibial tuberosity to become aggravated and inflamed leading to pain and discomfort. Over-pronation causes the knee to drop inward, thereby increasing the pull of the patella tendon on the tibial tuberosity.

Sever’s Disease is a similar condition to Osgood Schlatters in that it also relates to excessive pulling on a growth plate.  This condition occurs when the Achilles tendon pulls too much at its insertion at the back of the heel causing inflammation of the calcaneal apophysis (growth plate). Over-pronation contributes to this common complaint and orthotics will help to allivate both conditions.

Footlogics Kids Orthotics – for children’s shoes

Footlogics Kids orthotics are a medical-grade orthotic designed by Australian podiatrists to provide biomechanical support and restore your child’s natural walking pattern. By re-aligning the child’s feet early on, it allows the feet to develop more naturally and many biomechanical complaints can be prevented or its impact lessened.

Footlogics Kids orthotics are safe to use, however if your child suffers from a major foot deformity or particular illnes or medical condition, we recommend you consult your GP or specialist first, before using Footlogics.

The insole is available in two sizes, Kids SK and Kids K. Before ordering this product please read the Sizing instructions. This ensure your child will be wearing the correct size orthotic. It may take a few days for your child to get used to the arch support, however most children don’t have any problem with the orthotics and they quite like the feeling of support under their feet. If the inserts are not comfortable, please only have your child wear it for 1 or 2 hours a day, gradually increasing the time of wear until they are totally comfortable.  If you have any questions, please call us on 1300 119 788.

If you reside in the USA, please note we have a range of kids orthotics available and in stock in our local warehouse.