Custom Orthotics for Children
Advanced 3D-Printed & Custom-Made Children’s Orthoses
Ability Prosthetics & Orthotics provides expert paediatric orthotic care in Brisbane and Toowoomba, helping children get the support they need to live happy, healthy and active lives.
Our experienced Prosthetists and Orthotists take the time to understand each child’s medical history, development, movement, activities and individual needs. We also listen to parents and carers to understand what everyday life looks like for their child, from school and play to sport and family activities.
Our goal is to provide a comfortable, practical orthotic solution that supports your child and fits into their everyday life.
Custom Children’s Orthotics
We provide custom-made paediatric orthotics for children of all ages. Every orthosis is designed around the child’s individual anatomy, functional requirements and goals.
Our paediatric orthotic services include:
- Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFOs)
- Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthoses (KAFOs)
- Upper-limb orthoses
- Forearm-wrist orthoses
- Forearm-wrist-thumb orthoses
- Forearm-wrist-hand orthoses
- Hand orthoses
- Fracture bracing
Orthoses may be used to provide support, assist positioning and alignment, improve stability, protect joints, assist movement or support rehabilitation, depending on the child’s individual needs.
Advanced 3D-Printed Piro Orthoses
We are proud to now offer advanced 3D-printed Piro orthoses, alongside our established range of custom in-house manufactured orthoses.
Using digital design and advanced 3D-printing technology, our clinicians can create highly customised orthotic solutions designed around a child’s individual shape and requirements.
Depending on the child, 3D-printed orthoses can offer advantages such as customised fit, reduced weight, ventilation and design flexibility.
Importantly, 3D printing is another option within our clinical toolkit. Our Orthotists assess each child individually and determine whether a 3D-printed Piro orthosis, traditionally manufactured orthosis or another solution is most appropriate.
In-House Manufacturing
At Ability Prosthetics & Orthotics, we manufacture our orthoses in-house.
This allows our Prosthetists, Orthotists and manufacturing team to work closely together throughout the design, manufacture, fitting and adjustment process.
Combining our established in-house manufacturing with advanced 3D-printed Piro orthoses gives families access to a wider range of personalised orthotic options.
Designed for Growing Children
Children grow and develop quickly, so their orthotic requirements can change over time.
We provide ongoing assessment and support to ensure your child’s orthosis continues to fit comfortably and meet their changing needs. Adjustments, modifications or replacement may be required as your child grows.
We also consider practical factors such as footwear, school, sport, play and everyday activities when designing an orthosis.
A Child-Friendly Approach
We understand that visiting a clinic can be a new experience for children. Our friendly team takes the time to make appointments relaxed, positive and age-appropriate.
Our clinics include dedicated play areas with toys and games, helping children feel comfortable while we assess, fit and adjust their orthotic devices.
Why Choose Ability Prosthetics & Orthotics?
- Experienced Prosthetists and Orthotists
- Custom-made children’s orthotics
- Advanced 3D-printed Piro orthoses
- Established in-house manufacturing
- Child-friendly clinics
- Personalised fitting and adjustments
- Ongoing support as children grow
We are committed to providing orthotic care that support children not just in the clinic, but in the activities and experiences that matter most to them.
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.