Foot Orthoses
We are so confident of our fitting procedures for children that we offer unlimited appointments to adjust or review our foot orthoses.
Foot orthoses are devices worn inside a shoe to affect the movement of the foot while weight-bearing. There are many different designs and materials used.
At Orthokids, we specialize in custom-made orthoses for feet of all sizes. As our orthoses are manufactured on site, we have the ability to adjust and modify the fit after manufacture to get the best in comfort and function. It also means that we can fit the orthoses to existing shoes, rather than having to buy shoes after the orthoses are made.
Foot orthoses are thin devices resembling the insole of a shoe. It is designed to support and re-align the foot where there is a biomechanical problem. At Orthokids, we prefer to fabricate our foot orthoses from semi-rigid EVA, a lightweight but durable material that is available in densities from very soft to rigid. We use combinations of differing densities of material to provide both comfort and support.
Our foot orthoses are shaped to replace the existing insole of a shoe, so that a current size shoe can be used. Not all shoes are deemed appropriate for support and our Orthotists can offer advice on the type of footwear needed for adequate support.
Supra-Malleolar Orthoses (SMOs)
For feet with more severe biomechanical mal-alignments, often seen in neurological conditions and developmental delays, SMOs may be more appropriate than foot orthoses. SMOs are closely fitted custom orthoses made from thin and flexible thermoplastic that encompasses the foot and hugs the ankle. They are worn inside shoes.
The SMO gives a more three-dimensional control of the foot, preventing collapse of the midfoot and abduction of the forefoot. It is used where the foot can be manipulated into a corrected position by hand whilst weight-bearing. If the foot has a stiff deformity, the SMO is not usually indicated and other treatment is sought.
SMOs are a little difficult to fit into some shoes, so shoes that have some depth to them are preferred. One size up may be necessary to fit the orthosis.