As the summer transitions into autumn, many households begin to focus their attention on preparing their students for the upcoming school year. One item on many shopping lists is very likely to be the latest trendy new shoes. But this annual ritual also presents as an opportunity to review and evaluate the foot health needs of our youthful scholars.
Common knowledge amongst clinicians tasked with treating disorders of the lower extremities, is the lack of subjective symptoms often being presented by children, adolescents and teenagers. Conditions that may be painful or at least uncomfortable in an older individual often are non-symptomatic in younger people. It doesn't mean that there isn't something that needs to be addressed biomechanically. Many parents have been told by doctors that their child will “grow out” of their flat feet or turned in legs, only to discover when growth of the child ceases, the condition does not disappear.
This mark in the calendar year presents a golden opportunity to evaluate our pediatric patients, and assess if last year’s treatment plan (if any) is still effective.
- Has the child outgrown their orthotics?
- Is it time to transition from an OTC device to a prescriptive one based on the patient's individual structure and function?
- Are the adjunctive treatments you recommended (stretching, etc) being followed?
- Are the correct size and type shoes being worn?
- Has the child embarked on any new activities, such as trying out for a sports team that may necessitate a different approach in your treatment regimen.
- Perhaps that college freshman may need a second pair of orthotics (we know how kids are once they leave home for the first time)
- Has a non-symptomatic deformity, such as juvenile Hallux Valgus progressed since the last evaluation?
These are just a few questions that can be asked regarding this subject. A proactive approach regarding the treatment of lower extremity conditions in children, adolescents and young adults may prevent future avoidable pain and suffering.
The team at KevinRoot Medical is ready to grow with you!
