Flat Feet in Children Is Not Just a Foot Problem

Babies are commonly born with flat feet. Most of the children develop the arch of the foot by the time they reach 6-7 years of age. However, in approximately 20-30 percent of children, the arch doesn't develop at all. Flat feet do not hurt, therefore, they are assumed to be “normal.” The fact is that it is NOT normal. When flat footed children are not treated through physical therapy, exercises or special "orthopedic" shoes, then they develop various problems later on in their lives.

Developmental flat feet affects the musculoskeletal system of children. Flat foot problem in children can lead to complaints of pain, reduced walking speed, future postural deformities and increased falls. There are three types of flat feet:

·         Flexible flat foot – In flexible flat foot, the arch can be seen when the foot is not bearing any weight. It is much less likely to develop problems and doesn't require any treatment.

·         Rigid flat foot – In rigid flat foot, the arch is not present, when standing or walking. 

·         Flat foot with a tight heel cord – In this condition, a child is unable to bent back his/her foot at an angle more than 15 degrees because the calf muscles are being contracted.

Treatment for Flat Feet

If your child has flat feet problem, your best option is to consult a pediatric podiatrist in Singapore for a full assessment and treatment recommendations. Take your child to a physical therapy clinic to get the treatment started as soon as possible. Physical therapy treatment for flat feet will include using custom orthotics and doing exercises such as internal/external rotation exercises and towel-gathering exercise. Your child’s podiatrist will give you prefabricated or custom orthotics to eliminate pain, encourage normal development of the arch and prevent postural deformities.

If you have any questions about children’s flat feet, please do not hesitate to contact The Sole Clinic for an evaluation and assessment of your child. Remember, flat feet is not just a foot problem, it affects your child’s overall development.