Western North Carolina is flush with more hiking trails, state and national parks, forests, waterfalls, caverns, and wildlife viewing opportunities than one could explore in a lifetime. One of the biggest attractors for raising children in Asheville, NC, is a city built in harmony with nature. So much so that exploring the great outdoors is often built into the school curriculum.
But exploring nature often requires a certain level of mobility. If your child has suffered an injury to their lower extremity or has a chronic condition that limits mobility, getting out and exploring can be difficult.
Pediatric bracing covers a wide range of ages, from infants and toddlers all the way through young adults. A great deal of physical change occurs throughout this time, especially concerning the musculoskeletal system. Because of this rapid change in physical development, it is crucial to have an orthotic doctor specializing in pediatric bracing.
If your child’s pediatrician has recommended pediatric orthopedic bracing to improve their mobility, Orthopedic Appliance Company can help.
Pediatric bracing devices for the lower extremities are designed to help control movement without applying resistance to the desired or appropriate range of motion. They primarily work to help control the transverse rotation of the lower extremities joints, i.e., the ankles, knees, and hips. KAFO devices extend from the ankles further up the legs to help stabilize the knee joints.
They help improve walking patterns and aid in the physical development of the skeleton, muscles, and joints. You will see Knee Ankle Foot Orthoses most commonly used in the treatment of:
You can find orthotic braces in most pharmacies and sports stores. In some cases, these may be adequate to meet the mobility needs, but are generally not recommended for constant wearing. For those children who require mobility support for a significant portion of every day, getting them fitted for a custom pediatric brace can save a lot of hassle and discomfort.
A poorly fitted or misused device will be uncomfortable and challenging to get any child to wear or move in without a fuss. We will work with you, your child’s pediatric and rehabilitation teams and their unique needs to develop braces that will improve your child’s mobility and freedom.
The Orthopedic Appliance Company has provided Asheville residents with the highest quality custom pediatric orthotics since 1960. We offer a complete line of orthotic devices from head to toe. And all orthotic devices are measured, fabricated, and fitted by our skilled staff.
For more information on pediatric bracing devices or to set up an appointment to discuss getting your child fitted, contact the Orthopedic Appliance Company. We have three locations conveniently located throughout Western North Carolina, including Asheville, and are open Monday through Friday.