Although most children with feet problems should be treated with a custom orthotic prescribed by a podiatrist, over-the-counter orthotics are an option for some children, teens and young adults. Could your teen or young adult child benefit from an over-the-counter orthotic? Read on for several great options.
What are Over the Counter Orthotics?
In general, over the counter (OTC) orthotics look like shoe inserts and are placed inside your shoe to add extra support and to help with arch problems. They’re geared toward people suffering from foot, knee, or back pain that can arise from having flat feet, wearing uncomfortable shoes, or simply walking or running incorrectly. Unlike custom orthotics, they are available without a doctor’s prescription.
What to Look for in an Over the Counter Orthotic:
It is best to find an over the counter orthotic that has a plastic polymer or a hard plastic that is a little more rigid than just the typical shoe insole. While the average lifespan of custom orthotics is 3 years, the average life span of over-the-counter orthotics is 6 months. Click here to continue reading…
The school year is in winding down and classes are becoming less structured on lessons and more focused on summer, end-of-the-year
parties, and outdoor days. This time can be very exciting and fun, however it may also feel chaotic, unpredictable, and even sad for some children; children who are uncomfortable with change, children who have had a very successful school year and may anticipate a new school year with upsets, and children who may be switching schools for varying reasons.
The following are tips to help prepare your child for the inevitable end-of-the-school-year:
- Let your child know that it is OKAY that he/she feels this way, and that you understand. Normalizing and validating their feelings about the uncertain time ahead will hopefully take away any additional unpleasant emotions they are feeling, such as embarrassed or ashamed of themselves for Click here to continue reading…
There are many reasons to invest in a slant board for your child, including benefits in handwriting. A slant board typically consists of a
flat surface positioned at an angle with clips or anchors to hold materials (such as paper and books) in place. They come in a variety of sizes and angles, and some are even adjustable.
Below are several benefits of slant boards for your child for use both in and out of the classroom:
- Promotes fine and visual motor skills- The angled position of the slant board promotes better placement of the shoulder, arm and hand. It is therefore providing a better position to work on skills such as writing and drawing. The position of the board also brings the paper closer to the child and makes it easier to see.
- Promotes an efficient marker grasp- The best hand position for handwriting and holding a writing utensil is in wrist flexion. The angled position of the slant board promotes this position, which provides better support for holding a pencil appropriately. This position may also assist in applying just the right amount of muscle force in holding a pencil.
- Provides an easier to reach work surface-For children who have difficulty reaching the entire paper while flat on a desk, the slant board provides an easier distance to reach from the top to the bottom of the page, while also keeping the paper stabilized.
- Helps with posture- Typically, writing or reading on a flat surface utilizes an inefficient posture, as seen through slumped body position, elevated shoulders, and looking down consistently. The slant board brings the line of vision higher, which encourages looking down to promote an upright posture.
- Allows visual tracking for reading- Placing a book or other reading material on a slant board may reduce eye strain. The child does not need to refocus their eyes as they scan through a page since all text remains at the same angle.
There are many slant boards on the market to choose from! It is best to choose one made of stable material and with an adjustable slant. The slant board can be used at home or at school, or anywhere that you child engages in writing, reading or drawing!
