As a parent, there’s nothing more frustrating than seeing your child uncomfortable with painful feet, but not knowing how to help provide relief. Foot issues like plantar fasciitis, heel pain, and arch strain unfortunately aren’t just adult problems anymore. With sports, obesity, and increased time spent on feet, kids’ feet are under more stress than ever.
The right orthotic insert matched to your child’s needs can help significantly reduce foot discomfort and get them back to playing happily. After dealing with my son’s heel pain and arch strain for years, trying Powerstep Kids orthotics finally helped give him the relief he deserved.
In this blog, I’ll share my experience using Powerstep inserts for children’s foot pain, including:
- Common causes of kids’ foot discomfort
- Benefits of Powerstep orthotics
- Choosing the right model
- Fitting tips for pain relief
- The importance of gradual break-in
- Ongoing care of inserts
Hopefully these tips will help you determine if quality orthotics like Powerstep can aid your child’s specific foot pain issues, and get them lasting relief.
Common Causes of Foot Pain in Kids
While children’s developing feet are vulnerable to a variety of problems, these are some of the most frequent causes of pediatric foot pain I see in my podiatry practice:
Growing Pains
Growth spurts combined with increased activity can cause general pain in heels, arches, shins and other areas. Kids have soft, flexible bones that are still ossifying and fusing. Rapid bone expansion contributes to temporary aches.
Overuse Injuries
Too much repetitive stress on feet and legs from sports can lead to inflamed tendons (tendonitis) and bone pain. Common examples are Sever’s disease (heel pain) and shin splints. Kids are still learning proper mechanics and moderation.
Flat Feet
If arches don’t properly develop, excessive flattening while standing or running can cause arch and ankle soreness. Proper support is needed to reduce strain.
Poor Footwear
Shoes that lack cushioning or are outgrown can create foot pain and deformities. Narrow, unsupportive footwear is especially problematic.
Obesity
Excess weight puts more pressure on kids’ feet and joints, resulting in foot pain. Cushioning and stabilization becomes even more important.
Injuries & Fractures
Ankle sprains, stress fractures, and blunt injuries can all cause lingering foot pain. Protecting healing tissues is key.
Other Conditions
Issues like arthritis, cysts, heel spurs and neuromas are less common in kids but can also create discomfort.
If your child has general or localized foot pain, understanding potential causes will help guide appropriate treatment options.
Benefits of Powerstep Kids Orthotics
Orthotic shoe inserts work by supporting the foot’s natural structure and positioning it optimally inside the shoe. Powerstep inserts specifically help alleviate children’s foot discomfort through:
Arch Support
Customized arch contours lift and support flattened arches, reducing strain on muscles and plantar fascia.
Cushioning
Thick foam and gel padding absorbs shock and shear to protect joints and bones.
Stability
Heel cups, arch rigidity, and metatarsal padding improve foot alignment and control overpronation.
Pressure Relief
Targeted met pads and cushions lift pressure off painful areas like heels and balls of feet.
Corrective Shape
Anatomical shaping guides feet into proper positioning to address biomechanical causes of pain.
Comfort
Contoured cushioning enhances comfort for active kids on the go.
Convenience
Inserts are ready to wear out-of-box, avoiding the hassle of custom orthotics.
For reducing children’s foot discomfort, Powerstep orthotics combine essential arch supports, cushioning and stabilizing features missing in basic drugstore inserts.
Choosing the Right Powerstep Model
With a variety of options, selecting the right Powerstep insert for your child starts with understanding their specific foot pain.
Consider:
- Where is the pain located – heel, arch, ball of foot?
- Which activities trigger or worsen pain?
- Does their foot roll inwards excessively (overpronate)?
- Do they have high arches needing more cushioning?
Then match those needs to Powerstep models offering the best features:
Severe Arch Pain: Powerstep Pinnacle Maxx
Maximum arch support and stability. Rigid polypropylene orthotic arch, anti-microbial top layer.
Metatarsal (Ball of Foot) Pain: Powerstep Stratusphere
Thick met pad and gel cushioning in forefoot. Memory foam upper for shock absorption.
Heel Pain: Powerstep ProTech Full Length Orthotic
Deep heel cradle and rearfoot padding to lift pressure off heels. Polypropylene stability plate.
Injury Recovery: Powerstep UltraThin Recovery
Low profile for post-cast/boot wear. Cushioning to protect injuries but flexible for swelling changes.
Minimalist Needs: Powerstep SlenderFit Kids
Shallow profile leaves room for growing feet. Molded arch and met pad support.
Matching the right Powerstep technology to your child’s discomfort helps maximize relief potential. Their online quiz can assist in finding your ideal match.
Size and Fitting Tips
Once you’ve selected the right model, fit is key. Follow these tips for sizing Powerstep inserts properly for your child:
- Consult Powerstep’s size chart and select based on current shoe size, allowing room to grow.
- Have your child try on the inserts with socks and shoes to check for ample space. Their toes should have wiggle room and not press against the edge.
- Inserts should fit shoe size, not necessarily match bare foot dimensions. Don’t size down.
- Width should comfortably cradle foot without spilling over edges or rubbing along sides.
- Heat moldable insoles like Powerstep Pinnacle Maxx can be customized to your child’s foot shape for optimum comfort.
Take the time to get the fit right, and make sure to size up if on the cusp between sizes to accommodate growth. Well-fitting orthotics encourage compliance in younger kids.
The Importance of Gradual Break-In
The key to allowing children’s feet to adjust to new inserts without irritation is slowly breaking them in over 10-14 days. Begin with only 1-2 hours of wear around the house, then incrementally increase duration.
Schedule “rest” periods letting them wear regular shoes or no inserts to allow feet to recover. Watch carefully for rubbing spots, applying moleskin as needed.
It may take 2-3 weeks until they can comfortably wear orthotics full-time. Patience prevents injury and refusal. Listen when your child says their feet need a break.
Powerstep has guidelines for transition schedules and warning signs of problems. Give your child’s feet ample time to adapt to the new positioning and support.
Caring for Powerstep Inserts
To extend the life and benefits of kids’ orthotics:
- Follow proper washing methods using mild soap, cool water, air drying away from heat sources.
- Inspect wear patterns regularly. Replace inserts every 4-6 months or sooner if overly worn.
- Have your child bring inserts along to shoe purchases to test fit.
- Keep old inserts as your child’s “spares” to use when new ones are washing.
Proactive care keeps inserts fitting comfortably as kids’ feet grow. Budgeting replacements ensures consistent relief and foot development.
Conclusion – Help Relieve Your Child’s Foot Pain
Seeing your child suffer with foot discomfort can feel helpless as a parent. But quality orthotic inserts like Powerstep provide accessible, affordable relief for a variety of pediatric foot pain causes.
Choosing the model offering the right support and cushioning for your child’s needs, properly fitting the inserts, and gradually transitioning into regular wear sets them up for lasting comfort.
While not eliminating the need for skilled care, Powerstep orthotics can provide daily relief at home and during activities. Your kids’ feet work hard – give them the comfort and support they deserve to stay happy and active pain-free!
