Expert Pediatric SMO Care in Hickory, North Carolina
At Orthopedic Appliance Company's Hickory location, we specialize in custom Supramalleolar Orthoses (SMOs) for children with foot and ankle alignment challenges. Our experienced team of certified orthotists provides comprehensive evaluation, custom fabrication, and ongoing support to help your child achieve improved stability, alignment, and confidence in their daily activities.
Understanding Pediatric SMO Braces
What Are SMO Braces?
Supramalleolar Orthoses (SMOs) are specialized braces that extend from the foot to just above the ankle. These custom-designed devices provide support and alignment for children with mild to moderate foot and ankle instability, while still allowing natural ankle movement essential for proper development and strengthening.
How SMOs Help Your Child
Our custom-fitted SMO braces address various pediatric foot and ankle conditions:
- Pronation (flat feet or rolled-in ankles)
- Hypotonia (low muscle tone)
- Mild to moderate instability
- In-toeing or out-toeing gait patterns
- Balance and coordination challenges
- Early intervention for developmental delays
- Post-surgical support and alignment
By supporting proper foot positioning, SMOs help establish a stable foundation that can improve overall body alignment, enhance balance, reduce fatigue, and prevent compensatory gait patterns that could lead to issues in the knees, hips, or back.
Our SMO Services in Hickory
Comprehensive Pediatric Evaluation
Our Hickory pediatric orthotic specialists begin with a thorough assessment of your child's unique needs:
- Detailed developmental and medical history
- Gait analysis and movement evaluation
- Foot and ankle structural assessment
- Muscle tone and strength evaluation
- Observation of current mobility patterns
- Discussion of your child's daily activities and challenges
- Review of prior treatments and interventions
This comprehensive approach ensures that we develop a complete understanding of your child's specific needs before creating their custom SMO braces.
Custom SMO Design and Fabrication
Unlike one-size-fits-all approaches, our Hickory facility specializes in truly custom pediatric SMOs:
- Precise measurements or casting of your child's feet and ankles
- Computer-aided design for optimal fit and function
- Selection of appropriate materials based on your child's activity level and needs
- Custom fabrication in our on-site laboratory
- Meticulous finishing for comfort and durability
- Decorative options to increase your child's enthusiasm for wearing braces
Our in-house fabrication capabilities at the Hickory location allow for quicker turnaround times and precise quality control throughout the production process.
Expert Fitting and Adjustments
The initial fitting of your child's SMO braces includes:
- Verification of proper fit and alignment
- Gait assessment with the new braces
- Instructions for proper donning and doffing
- Wear schedule recommendations
- Shoe guidance and recommendations
- Care and maintenance instructions
Regular follow-up appointments ensure that the SMOs continue to function optimally as your child grows and develops. Our Hickory team monitors progress, makes necessary adjustments, and adapts the treatment plan based on your child's changing needs.
The Orthopedic Appliance Advantage
1. Specialized Pediatric Expertise
Our Hickory team includes certified orthotists with specialized training in pediatric bracing. We understand the unique challenges of fitting and supporting growing children and take a developmental approach that considers not just current needs but future growth and skills.
2. Family-Centered Approach
We recognize that successful SMO treatment involves the whole family. Our approach includes:
- Clear communication about expectations and goals
- Education on proper use and care of braces
- Strategies for encouraging consistent wear
- Regular check-ins and support between appointments
- Coordination with your child's healthcare team
- Flexible scheduling to accommodate family needs
3. Collaborative Care Model
Our Hickory orthotists work closely with:
- Pediatricians
- Physical therapists
- Occupational therapists
- Neurologists
- Orthopedic surgeons
- School professionals
This collaborative approach ensures consistent care goals and comprehensive support for your child's development.
SMO Success Stories
Many children at our Hickory location have experienced significant improvements with custom SMO braces:
- Increased stability during walking and running
- Improved confidence in playground activities
- Reduced fatigue during physical activities
- Better alignment that prevents future complications
- Decreased falling and improved safety
- Enhanced participation in sports and recreation
- Developmental progress in gross motor skills
Each child's journey is unique, and our team celebrates every milestone achieved along the way.
Insurance and Financial Information
Our Hickory office works with most major insurance providers, including Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and many others. Our insurance specialists will:
- Verify your coverage for pediatric orthotic devices
- Obtain necessary pre-authorizations
- Provide clear information about any potential out-of-pocket costs
- Assist with paperwork and documentation requirements
- Advocate for your child's needs with insurance providers
We believe that financial concerns should never prevent a child from receiving needed care and will work with your family to navigate the insurance process successfully.
Visit Our Hickory SMO Center
Our conveniently located Hickory facility offers a welcoming, child-friendly environment with:
- Accessible parking and entrance
- Comfortable waiting area with children's activities
- Private evaluation rooms
- On-site fabrication laboratory
- Friendly, patient staff experienced in working with children
Hickory Location:
910 Tate Blvd SE, Suite 103
Hickory, NC 28602
Phone: (828) 348-1960
Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed for lunch: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric SMO Braces
1. How do I know if my child needs SMO braces?
Children who might benefit from SMOs often show signs such as: frequent falling or tripping, walking on their toes or with feet turned in/out, complaints of leg fatigue or pain, delayed walking, preference for sitting rather than playing actively, or visible flat feet with ankles that roll inward. If your child has been diagnosed with hypotonia (low muscle tone), developmental delay, or certain neurological conditions, they may also benefit from SMO support. Our Hickory team provides comprehensive evaluations to determine if SMOs would be beneficial for your child's specific situation.
2. What is the difference between SMOs and AFOs?
SMOs (Supramalleolar Orthoses) extend from the foot to just above the ankle bones, providing moderate support while still allowing ankle movement. AFOs (Ankle-Foot Orthoses) are taller braces that extend higher up the calf and provide more significant control of the ankle joint, often limiting certain movements. SMOs are typically recommended for children with mild to moderate stability issues who have good ankle control but need foot alignment support, while AFOs are used for children needing more substantial support due to greater weakness or instability.
Read our dedicated blog article on this topic here.
3. How long will my child need to wear SMO braces?
The duration of SMO use varies based on each child's specific condition, severity, and response to treatment. Some children may need SMOs for 6-12 months to address a specific developmental issue, while others with ongoing conditions may benefit from them for several years. Our Hickory orthotists conduct regular assessments to evaluate progress and adjust the treatment plan accordingly. We establish clear goals and benchmarks to help families understand the expected timeline for their child's unique situation.
4. What is the adjustment period for new SMO braces?
Most children adapt to wearing SMOs within 2-3 weeks. We recommend starting with 1-2 hours of wear time, gradually increasing by an hour each day until reaching the full recommended schedule (typically during all waking hours). Some mild redness on pressure points is normal initially but should fade within 15-20 minutes after removing the braces. Any persistent redness, discomfort, or skin irritation should be reported to our Hickory office promptly for adjustments. Our team provides detailed guidance for navigating this adjustment period successfully.
5. Can my child wear regular shoes with SMO braces?
Yes, most children can wear regular shoes with SMOs, though you may need to select shoes with certain features: removable insoles to create extra space, shoes that open widely for easy entry, firm heel counters for stability, and secure closures (velcro or laces). Athletic shoes often work well, and we typically recommend buying shoes a half to full size larger than your child's foot measurement, with a wide width if available. Our Hickory orthotists can provide specific shoe recommendations based on your child's unique SMO design.
6. How often will my child need new SMO braces?
Growing children typically need new SMOs every 12-18 months, though this varies based on age and growth rate. Signs that replacement may be needed include redness or pressure marks on the skin after wearing, complaints of discomfort, visible outgrowing of the device, or deterioration of the materials. Our Hickory team schedules regular follow-up appointments to monitor fit and function and plan for replacements before problems develop, ensuring continuous appropriate support throughout your child's development.
7. Will SMO braces weaken my child's muscles?
This is a common concern, but properly prescribed SMOs actually support normal muscle development by enabling better alignment and more efficient movement patterns. By improving alignment, SMOs allow muscles to work more effectively, often leading to increased activity levels and better overall development.
SMOs provide the stability children need to explore and engage in physical activities that strengthen muscles naturally. Our Hickory orthotists often work with physical therapists to complement SMO use with appropriate strengthening exercises.
8. How do I care for my child's SMO braces?
SMOs should be cleaned regularly with mild soap and water, then thoroughly dried before wearing. Avoid soaking the braces or using harsh chemicals, as these can damage the materials. Inspect regularly for cracks, rough edges, or loose parts that might need repair. Straps and padding may need replacement more frequently than the plastic shell. Our Hickory team provides detailed care instructions specific to the materials used in your child's devices and can supply replacement parts as needed to maintain optimal function.
9. Will insurance cover SMO braces for my child?
Many insurance plans, including Medicaid, cover pediatric orthotic devices when medically necessary. Coverage typically requires a prescription from a physician and documentation of medical necessity. Our Hickory office specialists are experienced in navigating insurance requirements and will verify your coverage, obtain necessary authorizations, and explain any potential out-of-pocket costs before proceeding with fabrication. We work diligently to maximize your insurance benefits and minimize financial concerns.
10. What makes custom SMOs better than off-the-shelf braces?
Custom-fabricated SMOs are designed specifically for your child's unique foot shape and alignment needs, providing precisely targeted support exactly where needed. This custom approach offers better correction, improved comfort, and ultimately better outcomes than generic, prefabricated options. While off-the-shelf braces may be less expensive initially, they often don't address asymmetrical issues, complex alignment problems, or specific anatomical variations. Our Hickory facility specializes in truly custom devices that optimize function and comfort for each individual child.
Contact Us for a Pediatric SMO Consultation
To schedule a comprehensive evaluation for pediatric SMO braces at our Hickory location, call us at (828) 348-1960. Our experienced orthotic team is dedicated to helping your child move more confidently and comfortably with custom-designed support.
Orthopedic Appliance Company - Supporting children with expert orthotic care since 1960.