Pediatric orthotics are designed for children with bone, nerve, or muscular conditions. Children can benefit from orthotics as early as 12 months of age, but most will not need custom orthotics until age six.
- Who Needs Pediatric Orthotics?
- Types of Pediatric Orthotics
- How Often Do Orthotics Need to Be Replaced?
- Are Pediatric Orthotics Harmful?
Who Needs Pediatric Orthotics?
If children are unable to walk properly, they can be evaluated for pediatric orthotics by the age of two. Orthotic pediatrics can help with ongoing problems in the feet, ankles, hips, and knees that inhibit a child’s ability to stand, walk, or run without pain or discomfort.
Medical devices in orthotics, like insoles, braces, and splints, can stabilize and remove pressure from the affected area.
Types of Pediatric Orthotics
Cranial-Remolding Helmets
Cranial helmets (cranial bands) in orthotics support head development in children with conditions that cause head flattening and overgrowth. The helmet is custom-molded to fit a child’s head comfortably, adding pressure to foster proper growth and development.
Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO)
AFOs are a type of brace made to treat foot and ankle disorders. They stabilize the base of the lower extremities, including the feet and ankles, so that children can focus on learning to walk rather than balancing.
Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis (KAFO)
KAFOs are custom-made shell molds that use artificial knee joints to support and correct the knee, ankle, and foot. A child can wear a KAFO to improve their bone and muscle strength, giving them greater independence in their mobility abilities.
How Often Do Pediatric Orthotics Need to Be Replaced?
Children are constantly growing, so they’ll need their orthotics adjusted or replaced at quicker rates than adults. On average, children under 16 will need a new orthotic device for every year or whole shoe size change they undergo.
Are Pediatric Orthotics Harmful?
Orthotics are not necessarily harmful to children, but they shouldn’t be the immediate solution to every case of walking impediment. Some children may outgrow an issue with walking, such as flat feet or abnormal walking patterns, as the condition resolves itself.
Pongratz’s Pediatric Orthotics
We serve families across the valley with children who suffer from conditions impacting their mobility.
At Pongratz, we specialize in pediatric services such as:
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you and your child.
