Flat feet in children

Does your child have flatter feet than normal? Although sometimes there is nothing to worry about, flat feet can lead to pain and long-term damage in certain situations. We focus on children’s foot problems. and can help you determine if you need to be concerned about your child’s flat feet. If your child’s condition worries you, make an appointment at our podiatry clinic in Montreal.

What is flat feet?

Flat feet (also known by its Latin name “pes planus”) is a physical condition characterized by the collapse of the arch. While the precise cause of this condition in children is unknown, we know that it is very common among children. Since nearly all children are born with little or no arch in their feet, does flat feet really pose a problem? When is it appropriate to intervene? Are orthotics, specialized shoes, or insoles necessary?

Almost every child’s foot initially has a large block of fat on the inner surface of the arch, which gradually disappears as they grow. Most children eventually develop a normal arch.

However, it is important to distinguish between flexible, normal flat feet and other more serious deformities. These more serious problems are often caused by bone deformities, such as abnormal fusion of one or more bones. Our doctors are easily able to determine the presence of rigid flat feet.

The treatment of flat feet

Treatment usually involves the use of custom-made or prefabricated orthotics aimed at:

Supporting the foot
Relieving pain
Promoting normal arch development
Preventing postural and pelvic spinal deformities

We will provide you with information to help you choose appropriate shoes for your child, and we will also discuss exercises that can help prevent certain issues.

There is some evidence that early use of orthotics may promote normal arch development. If your child is 8 years old or older, their flexible flat feet may become permanent, and long-term use of orthotics will often be necessary to prevent future problems with the feet, lower limbs, and spine. This is especially true for young, active, or overweight children.

Is treatment for flat feet necessary?

When a child has flat feet, our primary goal is to determine if your child has (or is likely to have) problems related to their flat feet. Remember that flat feet can sometimes cause serious problems, but sometimes a person is supposed to have flat feet, and this is perfectly normal for them.

Immediate problems may include pain, lack of agile movement, or a reluctance to participate in sports. Long-term issues could arise, such as arthritis, unstable ankles, or the development of deformities like bunions. By examining your child’s feet and gait, we can usually determine the susceptibility to certain problems that may arise due to flat feet.

Family history can provide another reason to consider treatment for flat feet. For example, if your parents have flat feet and have experienced foot issues likely related to their flat feet, we are more inclined to use orthotics (whether prefabricated or custom-made) to protect your child’s feet.

If your child is suffering (or is likely to suffer) from problems caused by flat feet, we will begin treatment. The goal of treatment is to relieve pain, improve gait, and prevent problems that may occur in the future. This is typically done through the use of either prefabricated or custom-made orthotics. Additionally, we often offer recommendations for shoes and exercises.

What to do if one foot is flatter than the other?

If one foot is flatter than the other, this is a more serious problem, as the asymmetric force exerted during daily activities can eventually lead to cumulative trauma in the lower back, feet, ankles, knees, and hips.

Home care for flexible flat feet

Strengthen your child’s leg muscles at home with exercises, external and internal rotations, focusing especially on the posterior tibial muscle. Also, ask the child to perform a posterior tibial muscle strengthening exercise with a towel for 15 minutes each day. To do this, place the towel under the child’s toes and ask them to scrunch the towel with their toes.
Ensure that the child wears supportive shoes with symmetrical heels (that are not worn more on one side than the other) and a sturdy heel counter (a piece of material placed at the back of the shoe to reinforce it).
You can also try prefabricated orthotics.
If flat feet and excessive pronation persist as the child grows, correction with custom-made orthotics is recommended.

The shoes

A proper pair of shoes is important for foot development; however, the right type of shoe depends on your child’s foot type. More information about shoes for children. Children with flat feet often require a more stable shoe. Don’t forget to bring a selection of your child’s shoes with you when you come to your appointment.

Orthotics

Orthotics are rarely necessary during the early years of growth (see above). If flat feet or excessive pronation persists beyond the age of six or seven, or if the condition does not respond well to home interventions and care, prefabricated or custom-made orthotics become appropriate. The additional corrective support of an orthotic will encourage normal foot development while preventing further deformation and reducing abnormal forces on the feet, ankles, knees, hips, pelvis, and spine during the formative years.

Research is ongoing regarding the use of orthotics for the treatment of flat feet. An interesting study published in 2014 found, using X-rays, that children wearing orthotics for 24 months showed improvement. This may indicate that the use of orthotics in children with flat feet can help prevent related issues such as bunions and arthritis.

To make an appointment, call 514-931-6111 or visit drdupied.com.