A first line treatment for flat feet in children is orthotics. If you go to any Podiatrist on the planet with a kid with flat feet they will prescribe orthotics. Generally speaking, custom orthotics, which are made specifically by a Podiatrist for your kids feet, are preferrable. But there are a couple of drawbacks to that process. Custom orthotics can run as expensive as 300-400 dollars. With your child’s feet growing they will have to replaced at least every two to three years and that can get expensive. However, there are alternatives to custom orthotics and those are over the counter orthotics which generally run about 20-40 dollars. The best thing about them is, if they do not work or your child does not wear them you are only out twenty dollars instead of four hundred. Some over the counter orthotics for a child’s flat foot are better than others. When you are looking for an orthotic for your child with flat feet, you want a couple of traits. You want an orthotic that will contour and form to your child’s foot. Orthotics with high arches can lead to pain and discomfort and your child may not wear them. Now, obviously arch support is important but do not overlook comfort. If your child is uncomfortable in the orthotic and does not wear them, that is a problem as well. Below I have listed what I believe are the best over the counter orthotics on the market for children:
Footminders Kids Orthotics– If you are looking for an orthotic with a strong solid arch, this is the ideal orthtic for you. You will not find a children’s orthotic on the market with a stronger and more solid arch. I am not the biggest fan of the orthotic because I do not believe it will be comfortable for a child, and the arch is just too large.
Pedag 122 Joy Length– If your biggest worries are your child wearing the orthotic and being comfortable this is the orthotic for you. This orthotic speciailizes in comfort and your child will be compliant with this orthotic. Now this orthotic is softer and the arch support is not as solid as need be, but it still provides decent arch support
EVA children’s fabric orthotics– EVA is a material in an orthotic that will mold and contour to the shape of your child’s foot. This orthotic, in my opinion, does the best job of combining comfort with arch support. EVA is my favorite material for making an orthotic as it will form and contour to the form of your foot.