What Are Orthopedic Shoes?

When choosing children's shoes, parents often think about shaping their child's gait and buying orthopedic shoes, which are needed to either correct or prevent foot deformities.

It’s quite difficult for parents without proper medical education to visually determine violations in the development of the child's feet. That is why, at about one-year-old, the baby should be checked by the orthopedist. The specialist will check the child's musculoskeletal system and tell if he has any problems with his feet.

If the doctor finds violations in the development of the child’s feet or ankles, he will recommend buying orthopedic shoes, taking a course of physical therapy and physiotherapy.

Orthopedic footwear differs from the usual one mostly in its design. For example, orthopedic shoes have wider toes so that baby’s toes aren’t squeezed tightly while the child is walking. Such footwear is also characterized by a hard-shaped back and high tops as they keep the ankle joint in the correct position.

Another feature of orthopedic shoes is the Thomas heel which is extended on the inside and outside of the shoe. Such a heel is needed so that the foot doesn’t in-toe or out-toe when walking.

When choosing orthopedic shoes, always follow the orthopedist’s recommendations. We would also recommend you to ask the seller for a certificate of conformity of such footwear to medical requirements before buying.