Treatment For Severe Flat Feet in Children

Flat feet (also known as "prenated foot" or "fallen arches") is a condition where one or both feet do not display a normal arch when standing, walking or running. In infancy, all children appear to be flat footed because of a soft fat pad on the foot. Over time, however, that fat pad dissipates and you will be able to discern a clear arch when the child stands. With flat-footed children the foot may appear normal when sitting, but once weight is applied to the foot, it will roll forward at the ankle creating the appearance of a flat or fallen arch.

Flat feet are usually painless and nonthreatening. Unfortunately, in severe cases, a prenated foot condition may lead to pain or aching in the ankle and foot. If your child complains that they are experiencing foot or ankle pain, it is important that they see a foot specialist to discern the root cause. The doctor can determine if fallen arches are the culprit, rather than more serious hip or knee issues. In some rare cases, flat feet may actually be the result of fused foot bones. A simple X-ray can help determine if that is the case. In some cases, the child may benefit from the use of a custom orthotic insole or heel cup that will resituate the foot and alleviate discomfort. Surgery is not a common treatment for children with flat feet, nor is activity avoidance. Most flat-footed children live very normal lives, playing sports and running just as children with normal arches. Treatment is really focused on alleviating pain, and not permanently correcting the arch itself.

\"Foot Specialist\"

When looking for orthotic inserts to treat your child's foot pain, look for quality which will deliver longer-lasting comfort. Custom orthotic insoles are generally the best choice. You want an insole that will cushion the foot, absorb shock, and transfer to many of the child's shoes for a consistently comfortable fit. There are a number of different insole styles available depending on your child's needs. Consult with your doctor to determine what type of support the child requires.

Treatment For Severe Flat Feet in Children

Treatment For Severe Flat Feet in Children

Chris Dillon is the V.P. of MMAR Medical Group Inc., a leading orthotic device supplier specializing in diabetic footwear including shoes and socks for diabetics as well as a full line of orthotic insoles.

Flat Feet in Children - Diagnostic and Treatment Using Orthotic Insoles

Flat feet in children is usually a difficult condition to recognize when they're very young, since baby fat often hides the true shape of the foot. As months go by and as the toddler enters walking stage, the situation becomes more obvious. As the child ages, it is normal for an arch to appear between 4 and 6 years of age, commonly being developed by walking barefoot on bumpy terrain. This develops ligaments, muscles, and tendons. If a normal arch does not appear during this stage of development, then it could become necessary to look into the use of orthotic shoe inserts to prevent lower body or back problems from occurring later in life.

A good way to test if a foot arch is developing is by using a wet blotter. With this technique, you make a footprint of your child's damp foot on colored paper. Then you check if the foot arch leaves a noticeable gap. It is also possible to do this on a beach, or in a sandbox by looking at the foot impression, however the blotter test is much more telling. Another symptom of flat feet is if the child complains about aches to his or her calf muscles or ankles after walking for a period of time, as flat feet during childhood can cause additional strain on ankles and calves to counteract the deficiency of arches in the feet. In some cases, a child may walk on the outer edges of his feet, and this is often mistaken for bowleggedness, when in reality it is a consequence of over-pronation caused by flat feet.

\"Foot Specialist\"

The excessive rolling inwards of the ankles and feet, also known as pronation, and resulting breakdown of the arches is found in up to 70% of the population. Over a period of time, over-pronation, in addition to foot pain will also cause back problems, and also leg problems. Many people fail to realize how appropriate foot, leg and back alignment are related, and it is important to correct any foot problems such as childhood flat feet to prevent further lower body health complications.

Flat Feet in Children - Diagnostic and Treatment Using Orthotic Insoles

It is recommended to identify flat feet in early life as soon as possible to prevent ensuing complications later in life. It is possible for adults of any age to develop flat fee, though in many cases it is considered as a normal part of aging,. Flat feet may be caused for reasons such as illness, injury, or pregnancy, and can be permanent or temporary, depending on the reason. Being overweight can also cause flat feet in adults or children.

Foot conditions such as flat feet in early life can be corrected to prevent serious complications like plantar fasciitis and avoid damage to ankles, calves, or lower back. A good measure of prevention is through the use of orthotic shoe inserts. A foot specialist (podiatrist) should be able to examine the symptoms and advise proper treatment, which could include orthotic shoe inserts or foot exercises, depending on the severity of the problem. In many cases, standard orthotic shoe inserts products available on the Internet or at retail stores, can provide the needed arch support, without the need for expensive custom-made orthotics or other aids available via prescription.

The most important thing to remember when it comes to flat feet in early life is that early detection can preclude many serious complications to other body parts such as the knees and lower back over time. It is easy to treat flat feet in early life through readily available and affordable orthotic shoe inserts.

Flat Feet in Children - Diagnostic and Treatment Using Orthotic Insoles

Fred Salomon is a foot health care specialist with professional and commercial ventures in the podiatric industry, including foot care products and foot health treatment options. You can find in-depth foot care information and orthotics treatment options at his http://www.footminders.com website.