The feet of a baby who has just begun to take his first steps are like plasticine. While in the store and choosing shoes, parents determine the further development of the child’s entire musculoskeletal system.. When choosing, you must be careful and clearly know the most important selection criteria. So how do you find the right pair?
When do children need orthopedic shoes?
It is generally accepted that orthopedic shoes are necessary only for the treatment of pre-existing diseases. However, it is divided into several categories that are used in different situations:
Preventive. Sold en masse in many children's stores. Designed to prevent various foot deformities from an early age.- Strengthened (partial correction). It has a very rigid back, instep support and sole. The main purpose is to treat diseases in the initial stages, as well as in cases of identified predispositions to the development of these diseases.
- Uncomplicated (anatomical).To wear such shoes, a doctor's recommendation is necessary, because wearing them, for no apparent reason, can cause harm. In such shoes, the ankle is completely fixed, specialized insoles and additional inserts form the correct position of the foot. Some models feature a Thomas beveled heel.
- Complex orthopedic shoes are produced only to order (based on 3D images or plaster casts). Such models are intended for the treatment of severe pathological changes (valgus and varus deformity of the tibia), for the formation of gait in children with cerebral palsy, with excess weight and weak muscle tone, for the treatment of clubfoot.
Rules for choosing an orthopedic pair for a child
Buying a new pair starts at home. The child must be placed on a sheet of paper and both of his legs must be traced, then carefully cut out. When the model is selected, you need to attach the blank to the sole and compare the sizes. The template should be approximately the same size or slightly larger than the sole, then discomfort caused by tightness can be avoided. You should also not take shoes “for growth” - in this case, the foot will dangle. It is optimal to choose 0.5 cm longer and wider than the workpiece.
It is important to ensure that there are no creases, folds or rough seams on the surface and inside. Such shortcomings can cause enormous discomfort.
What age should you wear which shoes?
The main purpose is to treat and prevent diseases.
Up to 4 years of age, a child needs to choose shoes that will support the ankle area. If the ankle area is short, it will not be able to protect the fragile joint, and the legs will get tired quickly. Shoes should be loose in the toe area so as not to squeeze or bend your toes.
Starting from 6 years old it is selected shoes with stable heels, height up to 1/14 of the length of the sole. The leg should still be clearly fixed, but not pinched.
Most often the development of deformities begins at the age of 8 months to 1.5 years. During this period, the orthopedic doctor may prescribe specialized insoles (instep supports). They will ensure the anatomically correct position of the leg and force all the necessary muscle groups to work.
What material?
Self-respecting manufacturers only use high-quality natural materials: leather, suede, nubuck, textiles. In such shoes, the child’s foot, despite the fairly rigid fixation, will breathe. It is also considered anatomical and physiological, that is, during wear, the material shrinks and takes on the individual bends of the leg.
Bacteria multiply very quickly in shoes made of artificial material., and your feet may sweat a lot. But some manufacturers note the qualities of artificial materials, which in terms of characteristics are on par with natural ones. Modern technologies allow the use of membrane shoes (for example, Gore-Tex). Manufacturers claim that such boots made of this material will protect not only from sweating of the feet, but also from the penetration of moisture inside. This quality will be most relevant during the rainy season.
Design of the “correct” shoes
When choosing, you must rely on the following criteria:
The sole should be light, rigid and flexible at the same time. Flexibility should be evident when exerting force in the toe area. The surface should not be slippery to prevent falls and injury. Do not use rubber.- The insole with arch support will provide a physiological fit to the foot.
- The toe is durable, wide and preferably closed to protect your fingers from injury.
- The heel (back) should be high and rigid. There should be no dents left after squeezing.. The inside of the boots should be soft, without rough seams or folds.
- It is worth taking a closer look at options with a high rise in order to be able to put an insole inside.
- It is better to choose Velcro or lacing as fasteners - they allow you to adjust the shoes to the fullness of your feet.
Fitting and its subtleties
After identifying suitable models using the template, you can try them on. Children often cannot tell about possible inconveniences. It is necessary to rely on the child’s behavior. If the shoes are uncomfortable, the child quickly gets tired when walking and becomes capricious..
When trying on, it is important to pay attention to the fact that the shoes do not sting and are not too big. If your child drags his feet or his shoes fall off his feet, you can try on a smaller size. If a child is limping, then this is a sure sign to choose boots a size larger.
How not to make a mistake when choosing?
Every parent can make a mistake when choosing. This is not critical, the main thing is to correct the situation in time. The correct choice can only be determined by carefully observing behavior. If some defects are observed when walking, then the shoes should be exchanged or purchased new. To understand whether the choice of size was made correctly, you can stick your finger between the heel and the heel. If the finger fits too loosely or too tightly, this means the wrong size. Purchasing several options for different occasions will help you avoid mistakes when choosing materials.
If an orthopedic doctor prescribes a therapeutic pair, then it is better to contact a specialized department, where shoes will be selected or manufactured by specialists, based on the recommendations of the attending physician.
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