If your child needs orthotics, the process can be overwhelming, filled with confusing acronyms, trial and error, and insurance coverage games. There are many types of ankle foot orthotics (AFOs), supramalleoluar orthotics (SMOs), knee-ankle-foot orthotics (KAFOs), UCBL shoes, hip-ankle-knee-foot orthoses (HKAFOs), cranial orthotics (COs), Thoracolumbosacral orthoses (TLSOs), night splints, and daytime braces. The list goes on and on.
An orthotic’s fit and function can be determined by your child’s physical therapist. Hope AMC’s pediatric physical therapists can help. To learn more about pediatric orthotics, continue reading.
Who Needs Orthotics?
The use of orthotics can enhance the function or positioning of a child with certain diagnoses. In physical therapy, we treat diagnoses that require orthotics, such as toe walking, cerebral palsy, hypotonia, Down Syndrome, scoliosis, and plagiocephaly. The use of orthotics is individualized, so they can benefit a variety of diagnoses.
Pediatric Orthotics: What Are the Options?
Orthotics come in a variety of options, as mentioned earlier. Orthotists (the people who fit orthotics) and physical therapists will work together to find the best orthotic for your child. It is common for some children to require day braces to help with their movement or positioning.
A night brace may benefit some children by providing a prolonged stretch that will help lengthen their muscles. For children, orthotics are commonly used in the following ways:
- Ankle Foot Orthotic (AFO)
- Supramalleolar Orthotics (SMO)
- Hip-Ankle-Knee-Foot Orthotics (HKAFO)
- Cranial Orthosis (CO)
- Thoracolumbosacral Orthotic (TLSO)
Infant Orthotics: Where Are They Used?
The use of orthotics can be applied to any part of the body. Occupational therapists typically work on upper extremity orthotics while physical therapists are more likely to assist with spinal orthotics. To improve your child’s arm and hand function, physical therapists can assist with upper extremity positioning and stretching orthotics, similar to how they improve trunk and leg functionality.
What Are The Benefits Of Orthotics For Children?
There are many reasons why orthotics are used, including positioning, stretching, molding/shaping, and improving quality of movement. Night splinting may be beneficial for a child with a contracture. SMOs may be able to give your child enough external support to make walking easier and more efficient if their ankle joints are loose. At Hope AMC, you can contact therapists for foot orthosis Dubai. In the event that your child spends most of their time in a wheelchair, an AFO might help position their feet comfortably on the footrest.
A cranial orthotic can shape your child’s head as they grow if they have plagiocephaly (a flat spot on the back of their head as an infant). It is often recommended that you use a TLSO on your child with scoliosis to prevent the curve from progressing.
What are the Benefits of Orthotics for my Child?
Your child may benefit from orthotics if you consult a pediatric physical therapist to answer your questions and calm your nerves. At Hope AMC, we have many pediatric physical therapists who are ready to help your child improve their movement or function. To schedule an appointment with a pediatric physical therapist, call Hope AMC Center at +971-529997075.
