Understanding Flat Feet in Kids: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
As a parent, taking care of your kids is the biggest priority, meaning you should also ensure their health. While not uncommon in infants and toddlers, flat feet are something that many parents struggle to understand and comprehend. Flat feet occur when there is a lack of an arch in the feet, causing the entire sole to lay flat on the ground. Typically, this only lasts briefly as the arches of your feet develop throughout childhood. Sometimes, a child’s feet do not create an arch throughout childhood, and they experience flat feet into adulthood. Here are some causes, treatments, and preventative methods to keep in mind if your child is experiencing flat feet.
Causes:
- Genetics: Like your eye or hair color, your child might inherit this condition through their genes. If one or both of the genetic parents have flat feet, the chances of them inheriting this condition are increased.
- Weakness of the muscles or ligaments: Sometimes, a child will have flat feet due to the weakness of the muscles or ligaments in their feet, such as tight Achilles tendons. This can be caused by insufficient foot support or improper footwear.
- Other medical issues: Other medical problems can sometimes increase the risk of your child developing or inheriting flat feet. Some medical conditions that increase the risk of flat feet are diabetes, obesity, foot or ankle injuries, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Treatment:
- Supportive footwear: Footwear that offers stable arch support and cushioning can help alleviate the discomfort of your child’s flat feet. Shoes with firm heel counters and adequate arch support are your best bet!
- Observation: In most cases, flat feet begin to fade away over time as the child develops that arch throughout childhood. To ensure that it does not cause issues in the future, it is best to observe what mobility or discomfort your child experiences and consult your podiatrist about these symptoms.
- Bracing: If your child’s case of flat feet is severe, having him or her wear a brace will help obtain more support and assist in foot alignment. Consult your podiatrist to see if this may be the best option for you and your child.
Prevention:
- Regular check-ups: The best way to ensure your child’s flat feet do not become a prominent problem throughout adult life is to check in regularly with your pediatrician or podiatrist. Your doctor will always be able to give you the most sound advice and treatment plans for your child’s health!
- Regular Exercise: Engaging your little ones in exercise will help improve and promote their foot flexibility and strength of their tendons and muscles. Simple exercises such as walking, running, and jumping are great ways to keep your kid healthy while helping improve their podiatric condition.
- Early intervention: It is best to address the concern early on with a professional to ensure your child’s condition does not worsen. Early intervention for any abnormalities in the feet is best to prevent further complications and promote the general well-being of the foot’s health through treatment.
In the end, flat feet are a condition that can be easily identified and prevented through the proper treatment. Understanding the causes of flat feet in your child will allow you to understand the appropriate next treatment steps. Through this understanding of your child’s feet and the treatment steps, your kid can live a healthy, happy, active lifestyle without pain or discomfort from flat feet. If you have any pressing concerns about your child’s flat feet, you should check in with a health professional, whether you contact us or a pediatrician, for the best guidance and support possible.
