Orthotic insoles for children

In flat feet (Pes Planus), the arch is low or missing and the sole is in full contact with the ground.  Most young young children have flat feet without pathology i.e no aches, pains or problems. 

As they get older, in most children the arch will start to develop and they are no longer flat-footed.  This should happen from around 4 years old. If it doesn’t happen you’ll commonly see that the feet stay flat and the child’s feet will display “over-pronation” –  excessive inward rolling of the foot and ankle. Poor foot mechanics may affect how the lower limb moves, causing heel, knee, hip or lower back pain. 

Not all children with flat feet need orthotics, especially if there’s no discomfort or biomechanical problems. However, orthotics may be considered in certain clinical situations.

It’s no secret that kids spend a lot of time on their feet. Whether it’s running around the yard, playing at school with friends, or competing in a sport on the weekend, their feet have to support them through it all.  Here at Footlogics we’re proud to be a leading supplier of kids’ orthotics, with more than 18 years of experience behind us.

We are passionate about providing the highest quality orthotics available to ensure that your children can grow up happy and healthy and won’t suffer any eventual health issues that will keep them off their feet. We offer a quality range of shoe insert for toddlers up to teenagers, even an orthotic for soccer players!

Orthotics are just one instrument. Strengthening exercises for intrinsic foot muscles and lower limb stability can be very useful for your child. Suitable footwear with a firm heel counter is also important. Please consult your physician about the best course of action for your child. Professional assessments of symptoms, foot mechanics, gait patterns, activity levels, and development should make for more informed decisions.

Children commonly need orthotics at four or five years old. When babies start walking, their arches still form, so their feet are almost completely flat. This is because newborns’ feet contain fat pads in each arch. Leg and foot muscles are not yet strong enough to support the arches when standing as the infant grows.

By the age of 4-5 years their arches will have completely formed. If your child is still flat-footed at this age, you should consider orthotic shoe inserts (after consulting your physician, or paediatric doctor). Furthermore, the child’s condition and growth will determine at what ago they need orthotics age. Some children grow fast earlier and are tall for their age.  When flat feet or excess pronation concerns appear, children could start wearing orthotics from the age of 3.  Orthotics may also be used in toddlers for severe foot abnormalities.

Foot, leg and back discomfort can result from improper foot alignment. Flat feet and over-pronation may lead to Sever’s disease (pain at the back of the heel), stress fractures or knee pain (Osgood-Schlatters). Orthotics may alleviate or avoid lower extremity discomfort and injury. Orthotic shoe inserts will optimize foot bone and joint alignment, improve lower limb posture and reduce knee, ankle and foot stress. 

When it comes to arch supports for your child there are two options: custom-made orthotics from a podiatrist or pre-made orthotics, also called ‘off-the-shelf’ orthotics. Custom orthotics for children’s usually cost around $150–250, including consultation. In some cases adjustments are required with more visits to the podiatrist.  Because children’s feet grow so fast and new orthotics are required every 6-12 months, many parents consider a pre-made orthotic, as a more affordable alternative. 

Provided the pre-made orthotic features a strong arch support and deep heel cup (for rearfoot stability), this is a worthwhile consideration.  Footlogics children’s orthotics are medical-grade and TGA-approved (Therapeutical Goods Administration).  They can help support your child’s podiatric health and wellbeing at an affordable price, even if you have to go a size up every year. As your child’s feet grow, instead of our Footlogics Kids they can start wearing our adult orthotics like Footlogics Casual and Comfort in the smallest size (XS).