Flat Feet Treatment

Many parents worry when they look at the foot of their child and it seems too flat. They are even more affected if one or more have a flat foot pain. They questioned whether the pain they have experienced as a child can be avoided.

Unfortunately many pediatricians tell everyone that they are "born" to foot flat. This is a terrible misjustice to the millions of children who have symptoms, structural flat feet that they will not be "out of" and often leads to many years of pain and disability when treatment signifiacntly can reduce their suffering.

flatfoot is common in children and is done for several types of inherited foot types. Although these types differ in several feet of their characteristics, they all share a common flattening or collapsing of the arch. Many children walk flat no symptoms, but some may have severe pain and suffering.

Signs and symptoms of pediatric flat foot include:
- Pain and tenderness in the foot, leg and knee
- Tilt the outside of the heel
difficulty running - and walking or simply "amusing" running
- Wear shoes shoes excessive difficulty mounting
- To complain constantly when running or participating in sports

What are the different types of flat feet?
- Symptomatic or asymptomatic
- Flexible (meaning they look like they have a bow in case of non-weight body, but it collapses entirely on the weight bearing), which is the most frequent and associated with numerous injuries overexertion in athletes of children.
- Rigid (arch is always stiff and flat), less common and usually due to abnormal bone structure or bone growth during development.

How is flat foot diagnosed?
In pediatric flatfoot, the podiatric foot and ankle surgeon will examine your child and make a comprehensive review of biomechanical see how the feet, knees and hip function. X-rays are taken to evaluate the growth plates and bone growth. Often, an MRI or CT scan are necessary to fully evaluate this complex deformity.

How is flat foot treated?
In asymptomatic flat foot, no treatment is needed except sturdy shoe gear appropriate to relieve stress. Secondary symptoms of Charlie horses "or leg cramps, tired feet, and knee and hip pain should be discussed with parents.

In painful flat feet, treatment is necessary. No child should be in pain from their feet. change in activity shoe gear, stretching exercises, anti-inflammatories and arch supports are the mainstay of therapy. Mant times, large flat feet require functional orthotics and physical therapy to relieve symptoms more aggressive. Obesity increase pain in the feet flat. Losing weight is always recommended before surgery because of the high incidence of pain in the feet flat on the obese child.

Surgery should be an option for pediatric flat foot if the child is experiencing severe difficulties walking or running, has undergone at least 6 months of aggressive treatment and has a significant deformity.

Contact your podiatric foot and ankle surgeon for a biomechanical exam if your child is experiencing fatigue, cramping or pain associated with flat feet.