Orthotics

They are a biomechanical medical device that is specific to your foot according to the design requirements of our podiatrists. These are custom shoe inserts - different than the one-size-fits-all mentality of the drug store knock-offs or large, unflattering orthotics of the recent past.

These biomechanical orthotics combine state-of-the-art technology with the highest performance materials that allow your feet to operate in a more natural and efficient manner.

You can expect to feel improvement in your feet, legs, hips and even your lower back. Related corns, calluses, aches and pains usually diminish and disappear over time.

Quadrasteps are a semi-custom option of orthotics that have different features from your typical over-the-counter inserts, such as a deeper heel cup.

These are an excellent, inexpensive option if your feet are generally symmetrical.

Quadrasteps are very durable and may be easily transferred from shoe to shoe. They will last 1-3 years, depending on wear and tear.

Developmental Flatfoot Is Very Common

Many children and teenagers have developmental flatfoot. It's a warning sign of serious foot dysfunctions. If you recognize it early and nip it in the bud, you can save many costly and painful foot issues in the future for your children.

How Can You Tell If Your Child Has Flat Feet?

One of the easiest ways to tell is to look at your OWN feet. If your family has a history of flat feet, there is a good chance your children will develop them as well. Kids with flat feet tend to have problems with balance, coordination, pain and fatigue in their feet and poor posture.

What Can You Do About It?

One of the easiest, cheapest and most conservative ways to correct foot problems in children is the use of a medical device called an orthotic. We have found over time that the absolute best orthotic for children on the market today is called Little Steps.

They are prefabricated just for children from toddler age to pre-teens. This means they have a very deep heel cup designed to maximize rear foot control and realign the Achilles tendon while giving great arch support and little discomfort.

Once your child acclimates to the orthotics, they don't even notice them in their shoes. They are light, sleek and fit in most shoes so that no one even knows they are in there from the outside!

Note that we mentioned the shoes. It's very important that children wear the medical devices in their shoes…and that means not running barefoot all summer or in thin flip flops every day.

Won't They Just Grow Right Out Of Them?

Yes, they will eventually grow out of them. However, that is one of the benefits of these particular orthotics. There is not a huge financial burden associated with them, which makes parents breathe a sigh of relief.

Also, if your child requires custom orthotics, we offer an outgrowth program so that your wallet is not impacted as much.

The important thing to remember is that these are an investment in your children's health. Luckily, they are not an expensive investment like orthodontics, but you can think about them similarly to dental work and eyeglasses. Necessary for your child's social and health development.

Many foot ailments can benefit from orthotics.

They are an excellent conservative treatment for arch and heel pain that results from the flattening of the arch.

This strain slowly begins to tear the muscles, tendons and tissues in and below the arch, which act to support the arch and foot.

Over time, this results in instability, which in turn causes foot problems such as:

• Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain)
• Sesamoiditis
• Hallux Limitus
• Plantar Fibromas
• Osteoarthritis
• Achilles Tendonitis
• Arch Pain
• Metarsalgia
• Hallux Rigidus

It's important for orthotic success that you follow the break-in period once you have your custom or semi-custom inserts in hand. Your success hinges on how well you follow the protocol and once the break-in period is over, the amount of time that you are actively wearing your orthotics in your shoes.

We know that it's impossible to always wear them, but we recommend that you wear them 80% of the time. Learn more about break-in tips and tricks in Orthotic 101!