How to Fix Kids “Flat Feet” . As a parent, you want your children to be healthy and happy. You also want them to have good posture and gait, which starts with having strong feet.
How to Fix Kids “Flat Feet”
Unfortunately, some children are born with flat feet, a condition where the arch of the foot is collapsed. If not treated, flat feet can lead to pain and problems with walking and running.
The good news is that there are treatments available to help fix flat feet in children. In this article, we’ll discuss what flat feet are, what causes them, and how they can be treated. We’ll also answer some common questions about flat feet in children.
What are flat feet?
The medical term for flat feet is “pes planus.” It’s a condition in which the arch of the foot is collapsed, causing the entire foot to touch the ground when standing. Approximately 20-30% of the population has flat feet.
Most people have a noticeable arch on the inner side of the foot. This arch is created by the bones and tendons of the foot working together. The arch acts as a shock absorber, helping the foot to absorb the impact of walking and running.
In people with flat feet, the arch is either not present or is very low. This can cause the foot to roll inward (pronate), which can lead to pain and problems with walking and running.
What causes flat feet?
There are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of flat feet, including:
Congenital problems: Some children are born with flat feet or with problems that lead to the development of flat feet. For example, a child may be born with a foot that is excessively flexible (hypermobile), which can lead to flat feet.
Genetic factors: Flat feet can run in families. If your parents or grandparents had flat feet, you may be more likely to develop them as well.
Bone or joint problems: ahiropodia can lead to the development of flat feet. This is a condition where the heel bone is not properly connected to the ankle bone.
Muscle weakness: Flat feet can develop if the muscles and tendons of the foot are weak. This can be due to underlying conditions such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.
Obesity: Excess weight can put added stress on the feet, leading to flat feet.
Wearing shoes that don’t fit properly: Wearing shoes that are too tight or have high heels can put stress on the feet and lead to flat feet.
How are flat feet treated?
The goal of treatment for flat feet is to relieve pain and improve the function of the foot. In some cases, treatment may also help to improve the appearance of the foot.
Treatment options for flat feet include:
Rest and ice: Resting the foot and applying ice to the affected area can help to reduce pain and swelling.
Exercise: Doing exercises that stretch and strengthen the muscles and tendons of the foot can help to relieve pain and improve function.
Footwear: Wearing shoes that fit properly and support the arch of the foot can help to relieve pain and improve function.
Arch supports: Wearing arch supports can help to distribute weight evenly and support the arch of the foot.
Orthotics: Custom-made arch supports that fit into your shoes (orthotics) can help to distribute weight evenly and support the arch of the foot.
Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be recommended to release the tendon that is not functioning properly or to fuse bones together.
Will my child outgrow flat feet?
In some cases, children may outgrow flat feet. This is more likely to happen if the condition is caused by muscle weakness or increased flexibility.
Children who have congenital problems with their bones or joints are less likely to outgrow the condition.
What are the long-term effects of flat feet?
Flat feet can lead to pain and problems with walking and running. If not treated, flat feet can also lead to long-term problems, such as arthritis.