Orthotic shoes are prescribed for children and adults alike. However, if your child has foot or lower leg problems, orthotics can correct the problem and alleviate pain. Though wearing orthotic shoes may make you feel that your child is singled out, the reality is that this type of special footwear helps in many ways! Below, we will further discuss the advantages of wearing shoes with orthotic support starting at a young age.
What Is Orthotic Footwear?
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Orthotic footwear is designed to specifically support the entire foot and part of the lower leg. In most instances, these types of shoes have especially high arch support and even orthotic inserts when applicable. Podiatrists or other orthopedic doctors will usually prescribe orthotic shoes in order to correct a number of foot problems such as: collapsed arches, clubfoot, tarsal coalition, and metatarsus adductus. Of course, even children without specific foot problems can greatly benefit from the additional support!
1. Improved Alignment
Orthotic shoes are able to help properly align the foot and the lower part of the leg. This improves the overall posture of a child and significantly decreases hip, back or knee pain. Additionally, bunions are easily prevented by selecting proper footwear.
2. Enhanced Comfort
Children that wear orthotic footwear are more comfortable throughout their day. From walking and exercising to simply enjoying school, children find that the additional support within these shoes makes it easier to eliminate muscle fatigue and joint pain.
3. Ideal For Sports
For children that participate in sports, getting adequate support from footwear is often challenging. Orthotic shoes are able to offer proper alignment during bouts of heavy exercise, and this does help a great deal during sports such as volleyball, basketball or track where running are a necessity! Of course, the right footwear can also help make standing for long periods of time more bearable.
4. Improved Balance
For children playing sports, balance and stability are crucial components to their success. Precise movements and stable footing are key factors to consider when playing certain sports such as tennis, golf, football or basketball, which is why orthotic shoes are doubly important!
5. Injury Prevention
Perhaps one of the most overlooked advantages of orthotic shoes is their ability to prevent accidents and common injuries. When children participate in physical activities, proper footwear offers balance and stability, which does protect against mishaps.
6. Improved Confidence
Children with proper orthotic footwear are often more confident than their less-supported peers. As they know they don’t have to worry about pain, discomfort or future injuries, they feel more at ease playing and participating in certain activities. Not only does this lend itself to better performance, but a healthier social life as well!
7. Healthier Life
Children with orthotic shoes are often able to participate in more physical activity than those without proper footwear. This means better overall health, especially in the cardiovascular category. Additionally, children can also strengthen their muscles and bones while honing their mental health through exercise.
8. Trendy And Fashionable
Though orthotic shoes may sound more akin to a mobility aid than a fashion statement, this type of footwear is often trendy and fashion-forward. There is a huge range available at the Orthotic Shop. Children can easily match their outfits and select from dozens of designs as well as color combinations.
9. Highly Affordable
Most types of insurance will at least partially cover orthotics, and that makes them highly affordable! Of course, when considering the health implications of not wearing proper footwear, it’s priceless. In fact, the right shoes are much cheaper than any treatment programs or health plans that may become necessary due to pain or joint deterioration.
