My Child has Flat Feet. What can I Do?

What causes flat feet?

Flat feet are caused by issues related to the tissues and bones in children’s feet and lower legs. Babies and toddlers may have flat feet because it takes time for the tendons to tighten and form an arch in the foot. If this tightening doesn’t occur fully as the child develops, it can result in permanent flat feet when the bones collapse. In rare cases, the bones in a child’s feet fail to separate and become fused, causing painful flat feet.

Flat feet can be hereditary, and the condition can’t be prevented in this case. In East Asian countries, where kids are traditionally not a shoe wearing population, the incidence of flat feet is higher. However, early intervention and the wearing of correct shoes and supports can prevent the condition from worsening. In selected cases, a simple surgical solution exists to support the growth of the bones until a permanent arch forms when the kids pass the growth phase.

My child has flat feet. Should I be worried?

For most children, having flat feet is not a cause for concern. It is a natural part of your child’s development and most will outgrow the condition and develop a normal arch.

Of those that don’t, the condition will rarely cause a problem and most children can still take part in sports activities without feeling any pain or other complications. This is considered a normal variation in foot type.

Your child may have flexible flat feet, in which the arches are visible when they are sitting but as soon as they stand and put weight on their feet, the arches disappear. Children normally outgrow this.

When should I seek medical intervention for my child’s flat feet?

While most children outgrow their flat feet, you should see a doctor if:

• your child is over 5 years old สมัคร ufabet กับเรา รับโบนัสทันที and hasn’t outgrown their flat feet, and is experiencing painful or stiff flat feet, or
• if the arch in their feet has collapsed, resulting in a very broad splayed foot
• your child trips or falls easily

Look out for your child complaining about or showing the following symptoms:

• Calf pain and tiredness of the legs after strenuous activities
• Frequent tripping over their feet
• Walking with an unusual gait
• Unbalanced shoulders
• Spine misalignment