Sports-related Injuries

The Lurie Children's Difference

Our team is uniquely familiar with the needs of young athletes and understand the specific needs of the pediatric population. Since we treat children, adolescent and teenage athletes, our specialists are skilled at identifying problems in children other adult-focused care teams may miss.

While visiting a physician in the Institute for Sports Medicine, an orthotist may be called into your child’s appointment to discuss orthotic treatment options. Treatment will vary based on your child's injury and severity. We treat children with a range of conditions or injuries, including but not limited to:

• Foot and ankle pain
• Joint pain
• Knee pain
• Back pain
• Sprains/strains
• Face injury
• Post-operative or post-fracture

What to Expect

Consultation

Your first visit with your orthotist will likely be at a visit with your physician. At this visit our specialists will complete an initial evaluation and discuss a treatment plan as it pertains to orthotic management with both you and your doctor. If bracing is recommended, our team will contact your insurance provider with this initial exam information and obtain pre-authorization for the prescribed orthoses.

Evaluation

Once pre-authorization is obtained, an evaluation appointment can be scheduled directly with our orthotics and prosthetics department. At the evaluation appointment your orthotist will take a series of measurements and possibly a cast or mold of your child’s affected body part to fabricate or order an orthosis. Turnaround time to receive an orthosis is 2-3 weeks.

Pick-up

During the pick-up appointment, the orthotist will instruct you and your child on how to put on the orthoses, discuss wear time, and answer any questions you have.

Follow-up

Follow-up is an important part of successful orthotic management. Your child’s orthoses may need to be periodically checked and adjusted due to growth. Different orthoses have different lifespans and when a new evaluation is required due to growth, new orthoses must first be ordered by the physician.

Make an Appointment

Initial appointments are coordinated through the Institute for Sports Medicine​. After receiving a prescription for an orthosis, you can call our office at 312.227.6210 to schedule an appointment with an orthotics specialist. We can provide our services at the following locations:

• Lurie Children’s Main Hospital
• Outpatient Center in Lincoln Park
• Outpatient Center in Northbrook
• Outpatient Center in New Lenox
• Outpatient Center in Westchester

Additional Resources

• Knee Injury Prevention Program (KIPP) for High School Girls
• Pediatric Pain Management
• Post-Operative Pain Relief