Back to School Orthotics Check

It’s that time of the year! The time all parents wait for – time to start thinking about your their kids ready for school (and out of the house – YAY). That means new gear, new clothes, and new shoes. This is the perfect time for you to check your kids’ littleSTEPS® for outgrowth, it’s likely they need a new pair to fit in those new shoes.

Check out the pictures below, the top of the littleSTEPS®  should come to bottom of the ball of the foot.

If you are too short like the second picture, it's time to take your child to their practitioner and get fitted for a new pair.

If you think your child might need foot orthotics, but you don't have a practitioner, check our FIND A PRACTITIONER tool on our website.

For more information EMAIL US

Twitter: @LSteps @QuadraSTEPS

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How to Choose the Best Shoes for Your Child

 

Dr. DeCaro discusses the topic of Back-to-School week tips on buying children's shoes on Mass Appeal WWLP.

Buying the proper shoes for your kids can be tricky. According to Louis DeCaro, DPM, sizing is important and kids feet swell, so it’s important to try on shoes at the end of the day. Also, shoe sizes can vary widely – not only by brand but the country the shoe is made in as well.

Look for a firm heel counter, make sure the shoe flexes in the toe box, and look for flexibility in the center. "How a shoe fits is important to a child's foot health," says Dr. DeCaro.

Watch the complete interview here:

https://www.wwlp.com/massappeal/back-to-school-week-tips-on-buying-shoes-for-your-kids/

For more information EMAIL US

Twitter: @LSteps @QuadraSTEPS

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Are You Concerned About Your Child's Feet?

You are not alone. It is not uncommon for parents to be concerned about their child's feet!

Ever wonder if foot orthotics would help your child? Does your child have poor balance or coordination, awkward gait, or tend to trip and fall? Do they habitually walk on their toes or walk with their feet turned in (“intoeing”)? Does your child fatigues easily and often want to be carried? Do they have any pain related to walking, or has frequent or severe growing?

If the answer is YES to any of these questions, it's possible that littleSTEPS® foot orthotics will lessen symptoms by providing a straighter, more normal aliment when they walk, run or play.

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.

What Can Be Done?
There are many things that can be done to manage your Child's condition. Your healthcare provider can help diagnose the condition and recommend appropriate treatment. Intervention may include balance and coordination exercises, in addition to littleSTEPS® foot orthotics for kids.

Need help finding a provider that carries littleSTEPS®? Try our FIND A PRACTITIONER Tool or EMAIL us for a recommendation!

For more information EMAIL US

Twitter: @LSteps @QuadraSTEPS

FB: @quadrasteps

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What makes littleSTEPS® Unique?

littleSTEPS® provide the same functional foot control found in prescription foot orthoses. Some of
these features are:

• An ultra deep 30 mm heel cup to maximize rearfoot control and realign the Achilles tendon.
  
• Excellent arch support with deep sidewalls to assure both comfort and correction.
  
• A unique thermoplastic compound which has a combination of strength and a “soft-edge” feel for patient comfort.
  
• littleSTEPS® are durable and easy to clean with soap and water.
  
• Fit in most standard athletic shoes.

littleSTEPS® are sold through practitioners, to find a practitioner in your area, check out our FIND A PRACTITIONER Tool.

For more information EMAIL US

Twitter: @LSteps @QuadraSTEPS

FB: @quadrasteps

nolaro24.com

Get Ready for Fall Sports with littleSTEPS®

Fall is here and kids everywhere are gearing up for fall sports programs including soccer and football, track and volleyball. over 30 Million kids are involved in at least one interscholastic sports program; 21.5 Million kids are playing on one or more organized sports teams! More than 2.6 million children are treated in the emergency department each year for sports and recreational-related injuries

According to statistics, nearly 35.8% of injuries in kids 5-17 relate to sports and recreation. Why are Kids more susceptible to sports related injuries? 

• Active bone growth precedes muscle and tendon lengthening creating limited flexibility and risk of overuse injuries.
• Kids have an actively growing musculoskeletal system. Motor strength imbalances can lead to muscle strains.
• Open physeal growth plates in kids can lead to a higher incidence of tearing injuries.
• Kids have limited skill levels and level of conditioning (coordination issues).
• Consider gender: Male-female ratio of injury 1.8:1, but some girls are more susceptible to particular injuries.
• Kids have greater ligamentous laxity.

Kids are not just small adults! Adults whose bones have finished growing might simply pull a muscle or a tendon after a fall. But in a child, that same fall could injure the growth plate. One of the most commonly injured parts of the body in adolescents is the foot and ankle, particularly those involved in sports. Here are some of the more common injuries by age group:

AGES 6-12

• Flat Feet
• Growing Pains
• Knee or Shin Pain
• Osgood Schlatters disease or syndrome
• Calcaneal apophysitis (Sever's disease)
• Poor Posture and Postural Weakness
• including Genu Valgus (Knock Knees)

AGES 13-17

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee)
• Plantarfasciitis
• Shin Splints
• Stress Fractures
• Ankle Pain
• Ankle Instability

littleSTEPS® foot orthotics for kids can help protect kids during sports activities. They can be worn in cleats or athletic shoes. littleSTEPS® products are specifically designed for kids to deliver a prescription based correction, closest you will find to matching custom UCBL devices! littleSTEPS® come in 11 sizes to fit toddlers to teens. For larger teens, a QUADRASTEP® orthotic may be more appropriate. Ask your practitioner about littleSTEPS® and QUADRASTEP® orthotics today! If you need to find a practitioner, visit our website nolaro24.com. Like us on Facebook @quadrasteps

#LSteps #QuadraSTEPS