Custom Orthotics for Children
At Ability Prosthetics and Orthotics, we love nothing more than providing children with the support they need to live happy, healthy, active lives.
Our friendly, experienced Prosthetists and Orthotists take the time to work with parents and carers to understand a child’s medical history and developmental stage. We also pay close attention to what a normal day involves for your child – how they play, where they go and what they do, so we can recommend an orthotic solution that will complement and enhance their life.
Making children feel comfortable and at home is an important part of our philosophy and approach. Our clinics have dedicated play areas with toys and games to make sure it’s an enjoyable and fun experience for everyone.
At Ability Prosthetics & Orthotics, we make all of our orthotics in-house. This enables us to design, manufacture and fit an orthotic that is completely tailored to suit a child’s unique physical requirements.
An orthosis (or orthotic) is an external device designed and fitted to the body to modify the structural and functional characteristics of the neuromuscular and skeletal system. This can include foot orthoses for various foot, leg or postural problems, orthoses to protect joints and reduce pain after surgery, or orthoses that provide positional or functional support and address physical deformities or abnormalities.
We specialise in the following custom made orthotics:
- Upper Limb Orthoses (Functional & Static Arm Orthoses)
- Forearm-Wrist Orthoses
- Forearm-Wrist-Thumb Orthoses
- Forearm-Wrist-Hand Orthoses
- Hand Orthoses
- Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFOs)
- Fracture Bracing
- Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthoses (KAFOs)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of orthotics for kids?
Orthotics offer numerous benefits for children, such as providing support for upper limb and lower limb instabilities, pain relief, and correction of biomechanical issues and foot deformities. An Orthotist can prescribe the appropriate type of orthotics based on the child’s condition.
Custom orthotics for children are designed to suit each child’s unique needs. This helps them to thrive physically, emotionally and socially. Our orthotics provide solutions that help children gain independence and live life to the fullest.
Can orthotics be used for sports activities?
Yes, properly prescribed orthotics can be used during sports activities. It can provide support to help with any underlying foot or lower limb issues that could lead to injuries or discomfort when participating in sports.
We create the best orthotic devices for children, specifically intended for use during sports and physical activity. These provide extra support and are made of durable materials that can handle high-impact activities.
Are orthotics painful for children to wear?
Orthotics shouldn’t be painful for children to wear. Some discomfort may arise when the child begins to wear orthotics, especially for the first time. However, this should gradually subside as the child becomes accustomed to the orthotics.
If there is any ongoing pain or discomfort, reach out to your Orthotist to ensure the orthotics are benefiting the child and not resulting in unnecessary discomfort. By working closely with your Orthotist, orthotics for a child can become as comfortable and natural-feeling as possible.
How much do orthotics for children cost?
In general, custom-made orthotics are more expensive than off-the-shelf orthotics. The price of custom-made orthotics for children can vary depending on several factors, including the type of orthotic, the material used, and additional features. Pricing can be discussed with the Orthotist, and this consultation is usually free at Ability Prosthetics and Orthotics.
How often should children’s orthotics be replaced?
The frequency of replacing children’s orthotics can vary due to factors including the type of orthotics prescribed and the child’s growth rate. A review of the orthotics should occur at least every six months. The Orthotist will determine the continued suitability based on the size and wear and tear on the orthotics.
Caring for children requires ongoing monitoring to ensure the best outcomes. We provide adjustable orthotics for children and necessary replacement recommendations when needed.