Who is right for the SureStep System?
The SureStep system was developed for children with low muscle tone. These children display moderate to severe pronation upon weight bearing (excessively flat feet when standing). The majority of the children currently wearing the Surestep system are diagnosed with Down Syndrome, Hypo-tonic CP or Developmental Delay.
If my child has flat feet, does he need SureStep?
There is a difference between flat feet and pronation. The term flat feet is sometimes mistakenly used to describe pronation, but a flat foot describes a foot that has a flat arch when both sitting and standing. Pronation is a combination of the heel rolling into a valgus position (to the outside), the arch everting or collapsing, and the forefoot twisting into a varus and abducted position (sliding outward). This is much more than just a flat foot. This poor positioning of the feet puts a great deal of stress on the knees and hips. Have a pediatric physical therapist take a look at your child to determine if your child has pronation or simply has flat feet. If your child is not pronating, there is no need to consider the SureStep system, a simple foot orthosis will do nicely.
If my child pronates but does not complain, should I just leave well enough alone?
One important thing to remember about pronation is that it does not usually bother children's feet. The complaints will generally be about the knees or hips. The stress placed on the knees and hips will generally be perceived as fatigue. Many children will complain of "tired" or "sore" legs. Other children will just look for opportunities to sit down or participate in activities that do not require standing. A child who does not want to be on their feet is complaining. The SureStep system will help restore proper alignment of the lower extremities. While this in itself will not increase your child's energy level, it can help to decrease the amount of energy expended in standing, walking and running. This helps children to remain on their feet longer, giving the impression of increased energy.
What makes the SureStep system different from other types of orthotics?
Other orthotic devices work by wedging the foot into place. These wedges do not actually grab and control the foot. The SureStep system works on an entirely different principle than other orthotic devices. The thin flexible plastic allows the SureStep to be tightened completely around the foot. This circumferential pressure creates a sort of fluidic or hydrostatic pressure within the orthosis. This helps to align the skeletal anatomy of the foot and allow for better alignment of the entire lower extremities.
Why is this tightness and compression such an advantage?
This compression is what makes the SureStep so unique. This compression allows the plastic to be much thinner than other orthotic devices. This thin plastic allows the foot to move much more naturally and allows development of a normal gait despite wearing the orthotic devices. We have many children wearing the SureStep system who are involved in athletic activity, and some even play on their school teams. Kids in other bracing systems could not participate in these activities without significant blistering, callusing and decrease in function. The other advantage to this patented concept is that it creates a genuine "sense" of stability for the children that wear them. Besides being stable on their feet, they actually feel stable. This provides much more confidence in standing, reaching, running and walking.
I noticed that the SureStep looks much different than other devices. Why is that?
The SureStep system is truly unique, not only in function but also in appearance. The trim-lines on the SureStep system are cut differently than most orthotic devices. The lateral (outside) edge is left slightly longer, just distal to the fifth metatarsal head (just behind the little toe). On the medial side, it is trimmed proximal to the first metatarsal head (just behind the ball of the foot). These trim-lines help to do several things: one of the components of pronation is that the forefoot abducts or pushes outward. The longer lateral trim-line helps to control any residual forefoot abduction. The shortened medial trim-line allows the forefoot to move freely and develop a normal push-off. The shape of these trim-lines also assists in locking the foot into a rigid lever arm for push-off as it applies slight pressure to the bottom of the third and fourth metatarsal heads as the foot flexes to move into push-off.
Why is the SureStep system better than traditional rigid bracing?
The patented technology of the SureStep system is quite different than other orthotic devices. While dynamically stabilizing the foot, it also encourages normal development of balance reactions, and the normal development of the intrinsic musculature of the arch and foot. It is the thin plastic that allows the joint receptors to sense movement in the foot caused by uneven terrain or changes in the foot's position. This will allow the balance reactions to activate and develop normally.
Is the SureStep system covered by my health insurance?
Generally speaking, YES!!! While there are some policies that specifically exclude orthotics and prosthetics devices, most insurance policies will cover the SureStep system. Contact your local orthotists if you have questions about insurance or Medicaid reimbursement for the SureStep system.
What shoes do you recommend to wear with SureStep?
Look for a lace up sneaker with a round toe box – "skater" shoes like Vans or Nike Lil Pico or Pica work well. Try to avoid running shoes that have tread coming over the top of the shoe. These tend to be too narrow around the midfoot.
