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Flat Feet

All babies are born with flat feet. Flat feet are normal in young children due to weak muscle tone in the foot, a considerable amount of baby fat across the arch, and loose ankle ligaments allowing the feet to roll inwards.
 
As your child masters walking, the ligaments and muscles strengthen and the baby fat under the foot reduces, making the arch more noticeable. By around five years of age, your child should have developed normal arches in both feet.
 
Even if your child does not develop normal arches, you need not necessarily be concerned – in most children, flat feet are painless and do not interfere with walking or sports participation.
 
Some children with flat feet, however, go on to experience foot, knee or leg pain. This is not normal and should always be followed up with your Podiatrist, especially if:
  • your child complains of painin the feet, knees or legs or develops a limp;
  • you notice your child has only one foot that is flat;
  • you notice abnormal wear patterns on your child’s shoes;
  • you have a family history of bunions, or knee or hip joint replacements.
Your podiatrist will determine the cause of your child’s pain, which may be:
  • pronation –some children with flat feet have excessively pronated (rolled in) feet, which can cause pain around the kneecap, and pain and inflammation around the heel or shinbone;
  • tarsal coalition – a condition seen in children and young adults, in which some of the bones that help to form the arch have fused together, resulting in a rigid flat foot;
  • growing pains – children with flat feet (or very pronated feet) tend to have more problems with ‘growing pains’ than others;
  • generalised hypermobility – children with very flexible joints also tend to have feet that pronate excessively, and are more prone to joint injury, bunions and ankle sprains. 
Treatment for problems related to flat feet may include:
  • stretching and strengthening exercises;
  • footwear changes;
  • prescription orthotics to correct over-pronation.
Only in very severe cases will foot surgery be necessary.
 
If your child has flat feet and is in pain, or if you are concerned about any aspect of his or her foot health or development, contact us.
 
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