Custom orthotics for children must be adjusted to account for what factor?

Custom orthotics for children must be adjusted primarily to account for ongoing physical growth and development. Children experience rapid changes in their size, shape, and biomechanics as they grow, which includes both skeletal and muscular development. This continuous growth can significantly affect how orthotics fit and function.

If orthotics are not adjusted to accommodate these changes, they may become ineffective or even cause discomfort or injury. Proper fitting is crucial to support healthy movement and alignment as a child grows. Regular assessments and adjustments are necessary to ensure that the orthotics provide the appropriate support, accommodate the child's changing anatomy, and help prevent any conditions associated with poor foot function or alignment.

Other factors, such as seasonal changes in clothing, shifts in household income, and increasing academic demands, do not directly influence the effectiveness or functionality of custom orthotics in the same way as physical growth and development do.