There are probably no other groups with such disagreements regarding shoe insole provision as with children and adolescents. Unfortunately, due to a lack of scientific studies, there are still no clear results on this topic. In this article, we share our perspective, which is based on 25 years of experience in the field of orthopedic insoles for children and adolescents.
What is normal – and when does a child need orthopedic insoles?
Essentially, there are two reasons why parents come to us with their children: their child has pain or an unusual gait or a pronounced misalignment – sometimes even without complaints. But what actually corresponds to the norm? In childhood, the musculoskeletal system goes through various developmental stages. Bow legs or knock knees do not necessarily need treatment and can be completely normal due to age.
The developmental stages of a child at a glance
At one to two years: The child takes the first steps, bow legs and flat feet are part of this stage.
At two to four years: Signs of knock knees begin to form, and flat feet are still part of normal development.
At four to eight years: The longitudinal arch of the foot slowly develops. At the beginning of this phase, the knock knees can be particularly pronounced.
At eight to twelve years: The longitudinal arch of the feet becomes visible during this time, and the leg axis normalizes. In girls, this development may be slightly delayed.
Bone development is 50 percent genetic and 50 percent dependent on stress. The first steps at 13 to 14 months are among the most important moments in growth. At this time, the child stands on its own legs for the first time, and vertical forces act on the body.
In primary school age, the longitudinal arch should straighten and stabilize. At the beginning of puberty, any deviation in the leg axis should be observed. Between the ages of eleven and thirteen, there is a significant growth spurt. In cases of particularly pronounced "misalignments" or existing pain in the musculoskeletal system, an examination should take place earlier.
In both cases, an orthopedic insole can be a useful support. However, immediate action is not always necessary. A professional assessment is crucial to determine when an insole provision promotes the natural development process – and when it does not.
Why orthopedic insoles are also worthwhile for children
Parents often wonder if orthopedic insoles are really necessary if the child has no pain. Our recommendation: Prevention is worthwhile. Especially during growth, there is a chance that misalignments can be sustainably improved with a correctly built shoe insole – which in turn leads to less susceptibility to complaints in adulthood.
How orthopedic insoles can help
Many people think that orthopedic insoles are not optimal during growth or can even make the muscles "lazy." In the case of a misalignment, the body tries to compensate for an asymmetry (such as pelvic tilt) or an unphysiological posture (such as knock knees or bow legs). This can cause muscular tension and overstimulation of tendons. With a corrective Shoe insole for children and adolescents , the joints and muscle paths are supported in their natural function – allowing the muscles to work "properly."
The muscles do not become lazy, as is often claimed, but are supported. An advantage of a shoe insole is its permanent effect in the shoe. It thus provides a good complement to other treatments such as osteopathy or physiotherapy. Untreated poor postures, on the other hand, can become established, bones and ligaments can develop asymmetrically, with long-term consequences being pre-programmed.
Movement supports healthy development
The basis for the sustainable effect of a shoe insole is movement. Movement is also the most important factor for healthy physical development in childhood and adolescence. In case of complaints, the interaction between physiotherapy, strengthening of the corresponding muscles, and insole provision is essential.
