How to choose orthopedic shoes for a child?

The legs of a baby who has just begun to take the first steps are like plasticine. While in the store and choosing shoes, parents determine the further development of the entire musculoskeletal system of the child . 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 existing diseases. However, it is divided into several categories that are used in various situations:

Preventive. Sold massively in many children's stores. Designed to prevent various deformations of the foot from an early stage.
Reinforced (partial correction). It has a very stiff backdrop, arch support and sole. The main purpose is the treatment of diseases in the initial stages, as well as with identified predispositions to the development of these diseases.
Uncomplicated (anatomical). A doctor’s recommendation is necessary to wear such shoes, because wearing them for no apparent reason can be harmful. In such shoes, the ankle is fully fixed, specialized insoles and additional inserts form the correct setting of the foot. Some models feature Thomas beveled heels.
Sophisticated orthopedic shoes are only available on request (based on 3D images or plaster casts). Such models are intended for the treatment of severe pathological changes (valgus and varus deformity of the lower leg), for the formation of gait in children with cerebral palsy, with overweight and weak muscle tone, for the treatment of clubfoot.

Rules for choosing an orthopedic pair for a child

Buying a new pair begins at home. The child must be put on a sheet of paper and circle both of its legs, then carefully cut. When the model is selected, it is necessary to attach the workpiece to the sole and compare the sizes. The template should be approximately the same size or slightly larger than the sole, then you can avoid the discomfort caused by crowding . You should also not take shoes "for growth" - in this case, the leg will dangle. It is best to choose 0.5 cm longer and wider than the workpiece.

It is important to ensure that there are no creases, wrinkles or rough seams on the surface and inside. Such shortcomings can cause tremendous discomfort.

What age is what shoes?

The main purpose is to treat and prevent the occurrence of diseases.

Up to 4 years, the child needs to choose shoes that will support the ankle area. If the ankle zone is short, then it will not be able to protect the fragile joint, and the legs will quickly become tired . In the area of the toe, the shoes should be loose so as not to squeeze or bend the toes.

Starting from 6 years old, shoes with a stable heel are selected , with a height of up to 1/14 of the length of the sole. The leg should still be clearly fixed, but not be clamped.

Most often, the development of deformities begins at the age of 8 months to 1.5 years . During this period, the orthopedic surgeon may prescribe specialized insoles (arch support). They will ensure the anatomically correct position of the legs and make all the necessary muscle groups work.

What material?

Self-respecting manufacturers use only high-quality natural materials: leather, suede, nubuck, textiles . In such shoes, the child’s leg, despite the rather rigid fixation, will breathe. It is also considered anatomical and physiological, that is, in the process of wearing, the material sits down and takes on individual bends of the leg.

In shoes made of artificial material, bacteria multiply very quickly, and legs can sweat a lot. But some manufacturers note the quality of artificial materials, which are on the same level as natural ones. Modern technologies allow the use of membrane shoes (for example, Gore Tex). Manufacturers claim that such shoes made of such a material will protect not only from sweating feet, but also from the ingress of moisture inside. This quality will be most relevant in the rainy season.

The design of the "right" shoes

When choosing, you must rely on the following criteria:

The sole should be lightweight, rigid and flexible at the same time. Flexibility should be shown with effort in the area of socks. The surface must not slip to prevent falls and injuries. Do not use rubber .
An insole with instep support provides a physiological fit to the foot.
The toe is strong, wide and preferably closed to protect your fingers from injury.
The heel (back) should be high and stiff. After squeezing, no dents should remain . Inside the shoes should be soft, without rough seams and folds.
It is worth taking a look at the options with a high rise in order to be able to put an insole inside.
As fasteners, it is better to choose Velcro or lacing - they allow you to adjust the shoes to the fullness of the legs.

Trying and its subtleties

After determining the appropriate models from the template, you can try them on. Children often can not say about the possible inconvenience. It is necessary to rely on the behavior of the child. If the shoes are uncomfortable, then the child quickly gets tired when walking and is naughty .

When trying on, it is important to ensure that the shoes do not sting and are not too large. If the child drags his legs or the shoes fall off his feet, then you can try to try on a smaller size. If the child is limping, then this is a sure sign in order to choose shoes one size larger.

How not to make a mistake when choosing?

Each parent can make a mistake when choosing. This is not critical, the main thing is to correct the situation in time. Determining the correct choice can only be carefully observing the behavior. If some defects are observed when walking, then the shoes should be exchanged or purchased a new one . To understand whether the right size choice was made, you can put your finger between the back and the heel. If the finger comes in too loose or too tight - this means the wrong size. To avoid mistakes when choosing a material will help the acquisition of several options for different occasions.

If an orthopedic surgeon prescribes a treatment pair, it is best to contact a specialized department where the shoes will be picked up or made by specialists, based on the recommendations of the attending physician.