Key Takeaways:
Children ages 6–13 are in a critical window for foot development. Bones are still forming, and early support can help prevent the pain patterns that often follow kids into adulthood. If your child is complaining of leg or foot pain after activity, tripping frequently, wearing down one side of their shoes unevenly, or avoiding physical activity they used to enjoy, those are signs worth evaluating. Dr. Sunshein's full-contact custom orthotics are built around the actual shape of each foot — including differences between the left and right — because the foot functions like a tripod with multiple arches, and when one isn't properly supported, the body compensates in ways that can affect the knees, hips, and lower back. A pediatric evaluation at Sunshein Podiatry is straightforward and low-pressure, with no procedures involved, just a clear picture of what's happening before any decision is made. Not every child needs orthotics, but if your child is showing symptoms, the 6-to-13 window is the right time to find out.
Back to school means new shoes, new gear, and — for a lot of Dayton-area parents — new questions about whether their child's feet are developing the way they should. If your child has been complaining about leg pain after sports, tripping more than their friends, or wearing down one side of their sneakers faster than the other, those aren't things to brush off. They're often early signals that a child's foot structure may benefit from support.
Custom orthotics for kids can be a meaningful tool during the years when bones are still forming — roughly ages 6 through 13. The decisions made during this window can influence how a child moves as a teenager and an adult. But not every child who walks with a slight turn or rolls their foot inward needs orthotics, and a proper evaluation is the only way to know for sure.
This guide covers what to watch for, what a pediatric orthotics evaluation involves, and what sets a truly well-fitted custom orthotic apart from a basic insert.
Table of Contents
Signs Your Child May Benefit From a Foot Evaluation
Children don't always have the vocabulary to describe foot or leg discomfort clearly. They might say their legs feel "tired" after short walks, or that they don't want to play outside anymore. Other times, the signs show up in how they move rather than what they say.
Consider scheduling an evaluation if your child shows any of the following:
- Frequent complaints of foot, arch, or leg pain — especially after physical activity or at the end of the school day.
- In-toeing or out-toeing — feet that consistently point inward or outward when walking.
- Uneven shoe wear — one side of the heel or sole breaking down significantly faster than the other.
- Flat feet with symptoms — many children have flat arches, but when flatness causes pain or affects gait, it's worth a closer look.
- Frequent tripping or clumsiness — beyond what's typical for their age.
- Avoidance of physical activity — reluctance to run, play sports, or participate in gym class that wasn't there before.
None of these signs alone is a diagnosis. However, they merit further investigation from a podiatrist.
Why Ages 6–13 Matter
The bones in a child's foot are not fully formed until the mid-teen years. During the 6-to-13 window, the foot is responsive to support in ways that an adult foot simply isn't. Addressing structural concerns during this developmental phase, before growth plates close and movement patterns become deeply established, gives children a better opportunity to avoid the pain patterns that can follow them into adulthood.
Dr. Kevin Sunshein has observed this firsthand in his practice. Some of the adult patients he treats today might have had an easier path if their foot structure had been supported earlier. That perspective shapes how he approaches pediatric evaluations: not with the assumption that every child needs intervention, but with the understanding that when something is off, this is the time to address it.
Can Kids That Young Actually Be Fitted for Custom Orthotics?
Yes. Children as young as 6 can be fitted for custom orthotics, provided their foot structure is developed enough, and their symptoms warrant it. At Sunshein Podiatry, the evaluation begins with a thorough assessment of your child's gait, arch structure, and alignment—not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Dr. Sunshein looks at the full structure of the foot, which functions more like a tripod than a simple flat surface — with multiple arches running along the inside, outside, and across the base of the foot. When one or more of those arches isn't properly supported, the whole structure shifts, and the body begins to compensate. That compensation can travel upward over time into the knees, hips, and lower back.
The goal is to understand how your child's feet are actually functioning, not just how they look standing still.
What Makes a Full-Contact Custom Orthotic Different
Parents often ask whether the insoles available at a pharmacy or sporting goods store are "good enough." For minor cushioning needs, they may help. But an over-the-counter insert is built for a generalized foot shape — it addresses padding, not the specific biomechanical needs of your child's foot.
At Sunshein Podiatry, the approach to custom orthotics goes beyond standard devices. Dr. Sunshein designs what he refers to as full-contact custom orthotics devices built to support the full architecture of the foot in its most natural, efficient position, rather than simply controlling motion at the heel.
One detail that often surprises parents: your child's left and right feet may not be identical. One arch may sit lower than the other, which can cause one leg to function as though it's slightly shorter and force the body to compensate throughout the knees, hips, and pelvis. Dr. Sunshein's approach accounts for that asymmetry directly — the left and right devices are designed to match each foot's individual shape, rather than being mirror images of the same generic mold.
The materials used matter as well. Dr. Sunshein uses a stronger, more resilient plastic that can handle a higher arch and greater pressure than what's typically found in standard orthotic devices — including a "memory" quality that allows the device to be adjusted if needed over time.
These are not ordinary orthotics. They are designed for patients, including children, who need real structural support rather than just a comfortable insert.
What to Expect at a Pediatric Orthotics Evaluation
An evaluation at Sunshein Podiatry is straightforward and low-pressure.
During the visit:
- Dr. Sunshein will observe how your child stands and walks.
- He'll examine the foot's structure, arch shape, flexibility, and any asymmetry between the feet.
- He'll discuss what he sees with you in plain language and answer your questions.
- If orthotics are recommended, a precise impression of your child's foot will be taken to build a device specific to their anatomy.
The goal is to give you a clear picture of what's happening and what, if anything, makes sense to do about it.
A Few Things Parents Often Ask
Will my child have to wear orthotics forever?
Not necessarily. Some children use orthotics during a critical growth phase and no longer need them once their foot structure matures. Others benefit from ongoing support. It depends on what's being addressed.
Will orthotics slow down my child's activity?
Full-contact custom orthotics are designed to fit inside regular shoes, including athletic footwear. Most children adapt quickly and many become more comfortable being active, not less, once their support needs are met. You can't stay active if your feet hurt, and that applies to children as much as adults.
Why hasn’t my child's pediatrician mentioned this?
Pediatricians provide excellent general care, but foot and ankle biomechanics are a podiatrist's area of focus. The two evaluations are complementary, not competing. If you have a specific concern about how your child moves or the pain they're reporting, a podiatric assessment is appropriate regardless of whether it's come up at a wellness visit.
Taking the Next Step
If you've noticed any of the signs described above, or if your child has been telling you their legs or feet hurt, a conversation with a podiatrist is a reasonable first step, not an overreaction.
Our Centerville office welcomes patients from throughout the greater Dayton area. Same-day appointments are often available.
You can also read about full-contact custom orthotics and our 90-day satisfaction guarantee, explore common foot and ankle conditions we treat, or start with our free foot care guide if you're just beginning to think about these issues.