questions about foot orthotics...

[fallenangel811]

My son was seen by a podiatrist yesterday and got orthotics for ankle issues (his ankles roll in and on X-ray they found his tallus bone angles down when it should point straight ahead). Anyway, I'm sure I'll have lots of questions, but my first one is how do I go about shoe shopping for him now? I've pulled out the insoles of his shoes to accommodate the space the orthotics take up, but they are still kind of tight on the tops...

How do you have your kids try on shoes? Do you put the orthotics in the soles over the insole to try them or do you try without the orthotics?

Have you all found any brands fit better than any others? My son is a youth size 1 and needs Velcro closure if that makes any difference...

Thanks and I'm sure I'll have lots more questions in the near future...

[sbgrace]

Is it an insert only?

My son was younger and the PT told us what to look for and where to go for shoes. I have orthotics and the podiatrist office recommended my shoes too. I wish podiatry had done that same for you. Maybe a really good shoe store could help.

[fallenangel811]

Yes, just an insert. It's plastic with some cushy material over it. Not really flexible, but slightly. They are premolded...she suggested we try these first since they are much less than custom and at his age, we'll have to replace them often. Our insurance doesn't cover either custom or premolded...

She only suggested "good tennis shoes"...

[philomom]

Yep, slightly over sized sneakers type shoes or solid loafers. My daughter has JRA and wore orthotics for years to correct a slight turn of one of her feet.

[Precious Soles]

Shoes are the vehicle in which the orthotics are allowed to do their job. Loafers for a start are completely inapropriate as they have no kind of fastening to keep the foot help down onto the orthotic,. the shoes should also be fitted by a specialist fitter to make sure the foot is positioned correctly as the orthotic will change the way the shoes will fit. any footwear should be supportive but especially so with orthotics as it will keep the ankle in line and help prevent any excess rolling over the edge of the orthotic. ideally you are looking at a laced piece of footwear that gives adequate room for the foot and orthotic to function properly. It is still advised to get specialist footwear advice from a specialist fitter.

Jonathan

Foot and Footwear Analyst and Fitter

Precious Soles Ltd.