Custom Orthotics & Children’s Feet
Written by Michelle Champlin BSc Pod., M.Ch.S., S.R., Ch., (UK)
What are custom orthotics?
Custom orthotics are inserts that are put inside your regular shoes intended to correct foot posture or walking pattern. Orthotics are not just arch supports: they make standing, walking, and running more comfortable and efficient by altering slightly the angles at which the foot strikes the ground.
Podiatrists prescribe orthotics to correct many foot problems or as a type of ‘splint’ after some types of foot surgery. They are highly successful, practical and discrete.
Firstly, the Podiatrist will thoroughly assess the feet, ankles, legs and hips with a thorough biomechanical lower limb assessment. The Podiatrist then takes a plaster cast of both feet (in a special position) to produce the positive model that is required to produce your unique orthotics.
Custom orthotics are designed by the Podiatrist to improve foot function and minimize stress forces that could ultimately cause foot deformity and pain.
Correcting foot posture in childhood can prevent more serious problems and pain in adulthood – such as flat feet. Over-the-counter insoles or even ‘customized; orthotics will not produce the specific degree of correction that fully custom-made orthotics do. Dubai Podiatry Centre is the only specialist foot clinic in the Middle East to provide an end-to-end service for patients, from assessment and diagnosis, to making the orthotics from scratch in-clinic to fitting and monitoring foot improvement thereafter. Foot orthotics may be designed to either correct and change foot posture (especially in childhood while the foot bones are still developing) or to protect the foot from damage (e.g. to offload pressure for diabetic patients).
Custom orthotics may be prescribed to correct a range of foot, ankle, knee or hip issues
Dubai Podiatry Centre and Chief Podiatrist Michelle Champlin have led the way in custom orthotic innovation, designing specialist, ultra slimline orthotics for use with various sports (football, tennis, rugby etc.), inside designer dress shoes, for children’s feet or inside ski boots. Because of the scientifically advanced nature of the medical grade materials used, very little alteration in shoe size is necessary. They are long lasting, do not change shape, and are extremely durable. Strains, aches, and pains in the legs, thighs, and lower back may be due to abnormal function of the foot, or a slight difference in the length of the legs. In such cases, orthotics may improve or eliminate these symptoms, which may seem only remotely connected to foot function.
Once the orthotics have been made in the clinic’s lab, the patient re-visits the clinic for fitting – a final check for perfect degree of correction and to fit the orthotics to the patient’s choice of footwear (they can be moved easily between shoes too). The patient will also be advised of when the Podiatrist would like to see them back for review and possible orthotic alteration (to progress treatment as the foot posture improves, arches lift etc.).
Orthotics for Children
Custom orthotics are effective in the treatment of children with foot complaints such as flat feet, hypermobility, bunions and more. Chief Podiatrist Michelle Champlin advises that all children have their feet screened as they start school (age 4-5) as treatment, if required, is most effective when young and still growing. The orthotics can be placed directly into a standard school shoe or a sports shoe.
Usually, the orthotics only need to be replaced when the child’s foot has grown two shoe sizes and therefore outgrown the orthotic. The length of time a child needs orthotics varies considerably, depending on the diagnosis, how early correction is addressed and adherence to wearing the orthotics as advised. The Podiatrist will advise during consultation.
Orthotic Tips
The Podiatrist fully explains how and when to wear your orthotics, when your check up is due and what to expect to feel when wearing them. They can provide shoe and foot/leg exercise advice too.
• Wear shoes that work well with your orthotics.
• Bring your orthotics with you whenever you purchase a new pair of shoes.
• Wear socks or stockings similar to those that you plan on wearing when you shop for new shoes.
It is important that you return as directed for follow-up review of your orthotics.
For foot, ankle and leg advice, from childhood onwards, contact the UK qualified Podiatrists at Dubai Podiatry Centre on +971 4 3435390.
