Hi Lisa,

My son also had a severe foot condition and after a game of footy could not walk (He was 11 ½ at the time).  We took him for Orthotics, but they didn’t seem to help much at the start.  Where we first took him because of the severity told us to go to Olympic Park to the Sports Medicine area there.  Before they organised orthotics for him there was a very extensive program they did, much more involved for those with severe foot conditions.  He had to do exercises for his feet daily and also ice after any sporting activity.  They also advised us to get him taught how to run correctly – which we did, we actually paid a running coach, this process took approximately 12 months before we really saw a great improvement, although we saw small improvements along the way.

My son now is as fit and healthy as anyone and can run 26 km without a problem. (My son is now 16)  He still gets monitored and refitted every 6 months with his orthotics but could not live without them.   You need to find the place that suits your child and persevere.  It takes time. 

Lynda