There’s a myth among many patients in the podiatric world that specialized footwear like custom orthotics is exclusively for adults. This couldn’t be farther from the truth! In fact, starting your child off young in orthotics can help them out in the long run…pun intended. Think about it: when you hang around your kids today, aren’t you amazed (and maybe even a bit jealous) of the sheer amounts of energy they display on a daily basis? What is the majority of their energy spent doing? They are busy running, jumping, climbing, hopping, skipping, and exploring their environment.

Why Does My Child Need Orthotics?

Here in Texas, their exploration can be additionally draining on the feet when you consider the heat and the types of rough, rocky surfaces they might be on. Since our feet and ankles take the brunt of our weight during any physical activity, it makes sense to want to protect them as early on as possible from long-term damage. This can help prevent them from needing treatments like shockwave therapy or bunion surgery later on in life. While we don’t expect you to put your toddler into a pair of orthotics, pre-teenaged children and young adults can greatly benefit from wearing custom orthotics. When you or your child wears a pair of custom orthotics, your feet will be manipulated into their proper positioning. Be it soft or firm, the biomechanics of orthotics are formed to the unique and individual shape of your feet, cradling them in the form they benefit from the most. Because orthotics is considered a biomechanical medical tool, you can only get a pair of real orthotics through a podiatrist that has prescribed them to you or your child.

Use this as your opportunity to get your child started on a healthy relationship with their podiatrist, especially if your child is particularly active and athletic. Dr. Lilly Khavari has all the answers! Call our office today at (469) 998-3668 to schedule your child’s first, or next appointment at our great location in Carrollton, Texas.