Assuming the pediatric podiatrist performing the casting is skilled, plaster is the preferred medium. That’s because plaster casting creates the most precise mold of your child’s foot.
How is plaster casting done?
At Pediatric Foot & Ankle, we start with a thorough exam of your child from the knee down. This helps Dr. Jarman understand your child’s unique foot structure and pathology. The doctor then performs a variety of measurements, takes a complete medical history, and examines the child’s footwear.
Now it is time for the casting. For best results, this is always done with your child in either the seated or supine (lying down) position. This is called a non-weightbearing cast.
Dr. Jarman wraps strips of wet plaster around your child’s foot. It takes around 10 minutes for the plaster to harden enough for removal. During that time, the doctor remains with your child to ensure his or her foot maintains the proper position.
After 24 hours, the plaster cast has hardened completely and can be sent to the lab to create the custom orthotics.