What Is a Supra Malleolar Orthoses (SMO)?
A Supra Malleolar Orthoses is a custom-made inner foot and ankle brace. Through the use of extremely thin, flexible thermoplastic, the SMO compresses the soft tissues of the foot stabilizing children while still allowing for natural development, improving standing balance, walking, running and an increase in ankle stability. The SMO may also help children who toe walk by preventing toe walking with a unique brace design.
Indications Your Child May Need SMOs:
- Pronation
- Hypotonia
- Triplanar instability in weight-bearing
- Instability to stand independently
- Mild toe-walking
- Developmental delay
- Delay in acquiring gross motor skills
- Poor coordination or balance
Understanding SMOs
What is an SMO?
SMOs, or SupraMalleolar Orthosis, are a type of orthotic device specifically designed for young children. They are made from a flexible material that can be molded to fit the contours of your child’s feet and ankles, providing the necessary support for proper alignment and function. SMOs are typically used for children who have issues such as flat feet, high arches, or other foot-related concerns.
How it Works
SMOs, or Supramalleolar Orthoses, are specialized braces designed to support the foot and ankle. They are typically used for children who have issues with pronation (walking flat-footed), hypotonia (low muscle tone), or other conditions affecting foot alignment and stability
Benefits of SMOs for Children
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Support for Growing Feet
Children’s feet are still developing, and they can be more susceptible to issues due to their rapidly changing anatomy. SMOs provide critical support that helps guide proper foot development during this crucial growth phase.
Improving Alignment
Poor foot alignment can lead to various problems, not just in the feet but throughout the body. SMOs help align the foot and ankle properly, which can prevent issues like knee pain, hip problems, and even back pain down the line.
Enhancing Mobility and Comfort
If your child experiences discomfort while walking, running, or playing, SMOs can alleviate that pain by providing cushioning and stability. This support can enhance their mobility, allowing them to engage more freely in physical activities.
Preventing Future Issues
By addressing foot and ankle problems early on, SMOs can help prevent more severe issues in the future. Early intervention can be key in avoiding complications that might require more extensive treatments later.
Types of SMOs
Flex
Revolutionary flexible SMO
Unparalleled comfort
All around compression
Soft proprioceptive heel
Low-tone patients (1-5 yo)
Flex TW
Flex for Toe Walkers
All benefits of Flex
Extended posterior height
Optimized design
Toe walking patients (1-5 yo)
Fusion
2-material SMO
Unique hybrid design
Comfortable adaptive innerboot
Soft proprioceptive heel
Pronation & supination version
Fusion TW
Fusion with posterior extension
All benefits of Fusion
Toe-walking patients
Active
Heavy-duty SMO
Support & control
Thin, lightweight, breathable
Suitable for severe SMO cases
Wide range of patients
Active XT
Active SMO with extended height
All benefits of Active
Extended height
Additional strap
Wide range of patients
Servicing Minnesota in the Buffalo, Hutchinson, Plymouth and Waconia areas.