Flat Feet in Kids
Most cases of flat feet in children do not cause any problems, however, they can be an issue for athletic kids. If your child is under seven, there’s usually nothing to worry about. Kids normally don’t start developing an arch until about age three or four, and they might be in first grade before it’s really noticeable. But some kids just have naturally flat feet, which can become painful during exercise and activities. They should be evaluated by a podiatrist to avoid future problems. It might be that there are problems with the hip or knee. Sometimes the foot bones are joined together and can’t move, which is painful.
When a child is diagnosed with flat feet, there are several things we can do to help relieve any pain and promote normal growth. These might include wearing a heel cup, shoe insert or orthotic, wearing more supportive shoes, special exercises and resting to relieve the pain.
We also recommend that you shop at a shoe store where the staff is trained on how to properly fit shoes for children. Poorly fitted shoes can actually hinder the normal growth of their feet. It’s also a great idea to let them just go barefoot when it’s appropriate, which is the best for developing coordination and strength.
If you’re concerned that your child might have flat feet or they are experiencing any foot pain, call our office to schedule an appointment.