Very young children have flat feet. Development of the foot arch takes ten years to fully form. I often get concerned parents who have looked at their children’s gait and foot posture and have wondered if their children’s feet are normal. In most cases they are.
However there are some feet that won’t develop an arch and some feet that will cause a problem, or is causing a problem, despite being a physiological (normal) flat foot.
It can be difficult for a parent to know if your child would benefit from foot supports.
There are some clues however for parents: if your child avoids running or other high intensity activities. If they prefer to be sedentary, or complain about growing pains, or pain, trip or fall frequently or have aching feet and legs this can be a sign that they would benefit from arch supports. Children shouldn't be complaining of pain unless they have had a recent injury.
They may say they have pain in their feet or legs, but when you ask where exactly the pain is, they can’t tell you. This is normal, but worth getting checked out.
Your child may not be complaining of pain directly. Sometimes they can’t tell you where the pain is. And sometimes it is more specific. In one study adolescents with flat feet were twice as likely to suffer with knee and lower back pain once in their twenties. So, getting an assessment may be a good idea if you are unsure.
Sometimes you or your partner may have foot, ankle, knee or lower back problems due to flat feet. This can be a sign that your children may grow to have the same problem.
They may be unstable when they walk or may not be able to keep up with their peers. It’s in these cases it is worth seeing a podiatrist for an opinion on whether treatment would be beneficial.
Orthotics may help with your child’s foot and ankle posture. Improving this can help with your child’s overall movement ability.
Orthotics fit into the shoe and change the way pressure is distributed through the foot. Orthotics also change the forces that work through the foot and improve gait and posture. This means that orthotics can have an effect on the entire lower limb including the knee, pelvis and lower back.
There are two types: over the counter and custom devices. The ‘over the counter’ devices are ready made and will last a year or so. They can be a good alternative for certain foot types. Wearing these does depend on the severity of flat foot. Custom orthotics on the other hand are custom made to the foot. A scan of the foot is taken. This is sent to the orthotics laboratory with a definitive prescription for that particular foot. As well as providing a better fit, the prescription is tailored for optimal functioning for that particular pair of feet.
Orthotics do not help with arch development, but can help the lower limb with moving easier in a flat foot!
Even if your' child is not wearing orthotics, if they have a flat type foot, a stiffer midsole will help the foot work better.
However when wearing orthotics, good foot wear will improve your child’s foot and ankle stability and the orthotic effect further. Important points to bear in mind when purchasing shoes are:
A deep and supportive heel counter: this will support the heel and provide a safe guide for heel contact when walking.
A supportive sole, not easily bendable and ‘twistable’. The bending should occur below the big toe joint.
A strap or lace across the mid foot to help hold the shoe onto the foot. A lace will also, being adjustable, customize the shoe to the foot.
A wide enough toe box. Little feet need lots of space to grow into. Little toes are malleable and can easily become deformed over time in the wrong shoes.
Please come in for a Podiatry assessment for your child. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have about your child’s feet and posture.
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