Orthotic devices with out-toeing wedge as treatment for in-toed gait in children.

BACKGROUND Orthotic devices are used to help children progressively acquire a more physiologic walking pattern. METHODS To determine the effect of an orthotic device with an out-toeing wedge along with a physiologic shoe as treatment for in-toed gait, angle of gait was measured in 48 children aged 3 to 14 years with in-toed gait. The following comparisons were made: angle of gait in children unshod versus children shod without treatment, angle of gait in children shod without treatment versus children shod plus orthoses, and angle of gait in children unshod versus children shod plus orthoses. RESULTS Using a correctly fitting shoe increased the angle of gait in a nonsignificant manner, but a significant increase was revealed in the comparison of the angle of gait in children unshod versus children under treatment. The results showed that the behavior in boys and girls was similar to that in the total sample. Regarding side, the corrective effect of the orthotic device was similar in the two feet. However, the data showed a greater corrective effect of the shoe in the right foot. CONCLUSIONS Orthotic devices with out-toeing wedge combined with correctly fitting shoes, as well as shoes alone, are useful tools in the treatment of in-toed gait in children.