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What are flat feet?
The medical term for this is pes planus.
When your child doesn’t have a visible arch in their foot.
Most children will appear to have flat feet until 6 years old.
Children are born with a fat pad in the area.
The arch forms as children grow and the feet become less flexible.
What are the symptoms of flat feet?
Most children never have trouble with flat feet.
Your child may complain of pain in their feet or ankles.
Your child may have sores along the arch if they are rubbing on their shoes.
Your child looks like they are in pain when they run or walk.
Your child’s feet seem to be rigid and hard to move around.
What causes flat feet?
The most common cause is genetics.
If someone in your family has flat feet, your child maybe more likely to have flat feet.
Serious injuries to the foot or ankle can be a cause, but this is not common.
Chronic illnesses, like obesity, can cause this.
If your child was born with cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy, they maybe more likely to have flat feet.
Some of the muscles maybe too tight or too weak.
What is the treatment for flat feet?
If your chlid is not bothered by it, there is no treatment needed.
If your child has discomfort, shoe inserts called orthotics are often used.
You can buy these at most shoe stores.
Your child’s healthcare provider may refer your child for special fitting if needed.
If your child has other bone or muscle concerns causing the flat feet, your child’s healthcare provider may refer to a specialist.
Warm baths, massaging your child’s foot, and stretches can also be helpful.
How do I prevent my child from having flat feet?
There is no way to prevent flat feet, but these tips are helpful:
Keep your child active.
Allow your child to go barefoot.
Walking in sand helps your child use their entire foot.
Make sure your child has supportive shoes.
If your child has shoe inserts (orthotics), makes sure they use them.
Provide healthy food and lots of movement to keep your child at a healthy weight.
When to call your child’s primary healthcare provider:
You would like to have your child seen.
You are concerned about the way your child walks or runs.
Your child seems to be in pain when they move.
Your child prefers to only use one side of their body for movement.
📚 References
This content was adapted from healthychildren.org and https://pediatricfootankle.com/foot-conditions/pediatric-flat-feet/. Images from https://www.foundationpodiatry.com.au/conditions/children-s-conditions/flat-feet-in-children/, https://www.swasthyasaarthi.com/blog/flat-feet-pes-planus-treatment-and-symptoms
Reviewed by TT DO, JW MD, Patient Education Committee.