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Arch Supports for Kids

With the amount of running, jumping and playing done in childhood, it is important to ensure that a child's foot is developing properly. For parents with children who are suffering from foot arch problems, finding the proper arch support is an essential step in protecting their child's growing feet as well as easing the discomfort of foot problems.

  1. Natural Arch Height

    • There are three different categories for arch height: High, medium and low arches. To determine what type of arch your feet have, sit down and use both hands to take hold of your heel and the ball of your foot. Gently push the ball of your foot and your heel together and view the resulting curvature to determine the natural arch of your foot. While a child with medium arches can wear virtually any type of arch support, there are specific options for children with high and low foot arches.

    Over-the-Counter Arch Supports

    • With a variety of over-the-counter or in-store options, find a product specifically tailored to children and consider the material, fit and durability of the arch supports. Some arch support brands for children include Arch Angels, Poly-Flex High Orthotic arch supports and Lynco arch supports. When selecting a product, make sure you pick the correct size for a comfortable fit.

    Custom Insoles for Children

    • If your child has a more specialized need with his arch supports, having custom made orthotics is an option. Companies including Archcrafters Custom Insoles, Amfit Orthotics and Betterform Orthotics use impression kits to make arch support insoles specifically molded to the shape of an individual's foot. While not a deterrent, it is important for parents who are considering having custom arch supports made for their children to note that a child's feet grow rapidly.

    Foot Exercises and Stretches

    • With some instruction, children suffering from arch problems can complete these simple foot exercises to ease their arches.

      The flex and point requires you to sit in a chair with your legs extended straight out in front of you on a foot stool. Flex and point your toes for 15 seconds at a time. Relax your feet for and start over.

      Toe writing is often a fun exercise for children. Standing barefoot on the floor, have children write the letters of the alphabet on the floor with their toes.

      The grip is an exercise that requires barefoot participants to pick up a pencil, pen or marble off the floor with their toes.

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