Concerns about our children’s health are common among parents, particularly regarding conditions like flat feet. If you’ve observed that your child has flat feet, you might be wondering about its implications.
Let’s delve into what flat feet entail and explore approaches to managing this condition in children.
Understanding Flat Feet:
Flat feet, also known as pronated feet, describe a condition where the inner arch of the foot is visibly lower, sometimes nearly touching the ground. Various factors can contribute to flat feet, necessitating accurate diagnosis.
It’s crucial to discern between adult and paediatric flat feet. A child’s foot arch develops gradually, typically starting to form once they begin walking and running, evolving over several years, usually up to around age 10. Hence, it’s not uncommon for children to exhibit what seems like flat feet during this developmental stage.
Therefore, if your child is quite young and displays flat feet, there’s generally no need for alarm. However, consulting a podiatrist can offer reassurance and guidance if you’re concerned about their foot health.
Managing Flat Feet in Children:
Treatment for flat feet in children varies depending on factors such as age, severity of the condition, activity level, and presence of symptoms.
No Immediate Treatment:
Many children with flat feet may not require immediate treatment. Contemporary clinical perspectives no longer view flat feet as a disabling issue. Instead, podiatrists adopt a step-by-step approach, emphasising thorough examination and accurate diagnosis before determining the necessity for treatment.
Even if treatment isn’t warranted, consulting a podiatrist can ease any worries and provide peace of mind.
Monitoring:
A podiatrist might suggest closely monitoring your child’s feet for any changes before deciding on intervention. Keep a lookout for alterations in foot appearance while standing or walking, and discuss any concerns with your podiatrist over time. Especially if there’s a family history of flat feet, vigilant monitoring is advisable to detect and address issues promptly.
Treatment Options:
If flat feet cause discomfort or hinder mobility, treatment may be recommended. This could involve simple measures such as altering footwear or practising postural exercises to strengthen the foot and foster natural arch development.
In more severe cases, custom orthotics or insoles might be prescribed by the podiatrist to alleviate discomfort and enhance posture.
At Talaria Podiatrist of Thornbury, we employ advanced techniques like visual and recorded gait analysis and static stance testing to assess the extent of the problem. We offer special discounts for custom orthotics for children under 18 to accommodate their growing feet.
Consult our podiatrist today to explore how we can support your child’s foot health journey, or keep an eye out on our socials for our ‘Free Kids Assessment Promo’.
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