Flat Feet in Children
Normally, a foot has a curve, called an arch, on its inner side. The arch creates a gap between the foot and the ground. Flat feet is a common condition in which one or both feet do not have an arch. The condition rarely results in long-term problems or disability.
Most children are born with flat feet. As they grow, their feet change from being flat to having an arch. However, some children never develop this arch and have flat feet into adulthood.
What are the causes?
This condition is normal until about age 6. Not developing an arch by age 6 could be related to:
- A tight Achilles tendon.
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
- Down syndrome.
- An abnormality in the bones of the foot, called tarsal coalition. This happens when two or more bones in the foot are joined together (fused) before birth.
What increases the risk?
This condition is more likely to develop in children who:
- Do not wear comfortable, flexible shoes.
- Have a family history of this condition.
- Are overweight.
What are the signs or symptoms?
Symptoms of this condition include:
- Tenderness around the heel.
- Thickened areas of skin (calluses) around the heel.
- Pain in the foot during activity. The pain goes away when resting.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition is diagnosed with:
- A physical exam of the foot and ankle.
- Imaging tests, such as X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI.
Your child may be referred to a health care provider who specializes in feet (podiatrist) or a physical therapist.
How is this treated?
Treatment is only needed for this condition if your child has foot pain and trouble walking. Treatments may include:
- Stretching exercises or physical therapy. This helps to strengthen the foot and ankle, which helps prevent future foot problems. This may also help to increase range of motion and relieve pain.
- Wearing shoes with proper arch support.
- A shoe insert (orthotic). This relieves pain by helping to support the arch of your child’s foot. Orthotics can be purchased from a store or can be custom-made by your child’s health care provider.
- Medicines. Your child’s health care provider may recommend over-the-counter NSAIDs to relieve pain.
- Surgery. In some cases, surgery may be done to improve the alignment of your child’s foot if he or she has tarsal coalition.
Follow these instructions at home:
- Make sure your child wears his or her orthotic(s) as told by the health care provider.
- Have your child do any exercises as told by the health care provider.
- Give over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child’s health care provider.
- Keep all follow-up visits as told by your child’s health care provider. This is important.
How is this prevented?
- To
prevent the condition from getting worse, have your child:
- Wear comfortable, well-fitting, flexible shoes.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
Contact a health care provider if:
- Your child has pain.
- Your child has trouble walking.
- Your child’s orthotic does not fit or it causes blisters or sores to develop.
Summary
- Flat feet is a common condition in which one or both feet do not have a curve, called an arch, on the inner side.
- Most children are born with flat feet. This condition is normal until about age 6.
- Your child’s health care provider may recommend treatment if your child is having foot pain or trouble walking.
- Treatments may include a shoe insert (orthotic), stretching exercises or physical therapy, and over-the-counter medicines to relieve pain.
