With the coming of Spring our kids are getting ready for baseball and other spring sports. Make sure your kids are ready with the proper footwear and foot support. Part of that foot support should be a check if your child needs foot orthotics to help with balance, coordination, or pain.
The practitioners and retail establishments that carry our QUADRASTEPS® and littleSTEPS® are all qualified to do a foot evaluation to determine if any intervention is needed. Many have free foot screening clinics throughout the year, you should check your area stores and practitioners to see if there is one inear you. To find a list of practitioners in your area, visit our website www.nolaro24.com/patient/find.
Below are some helpful info for you to consider when trying to decide if you need to take your child to see someone.
Consider Genetics! Many adults recognize that they have feet genetically similar to their parents, but many not realize that they might have passed on these same foot traits to their children! Help your children avoid acquiring your foot problems by having their feet screened by a qualified clinician who can help you determine if treatment should be considered.
Foot Facts:
- It is normal for a child's foot to appear flat up until about the age of 2 due to a thick layer of baby fat that fills the arch area. As long as the child is otherwise healthy, and the foot is flexible and free of pain, then no treatment is necessary.
- A child's arch becomes more apparent around the age of 3 when the fat pad begins to disappear. At this age it is normal to observe a good arch when the child is sitting or lying down. Upon standing however, the arch may look very low. In most cases, this may be completely normal.
- It is uncommon for children to complain of foot pain. Be aware that “Growing Pains” are not always normal and may be a sign that your child may have an unstable foot. Any child complaining of pain should be seen by their doctor to rule out a potentially serious condition and to determine if they are a candidate for foot orthotics.
Consider littleSTEPS® When:
- Your child has poor balance or coordination, awkward gait, or tends to trip and fall.
- Your child habitually walks on their toes or walks with their feet turned in (“intoeing”). for no known medical reason.
- Your child fatigues easily and often wants to be carried.
- And Yes, If you child has any pain related to walking, or has frequent or severe growing pains.
