Have you noticed that your child has a flat foot? If so, you may be wondering whether you should see a podiatrist. We all want to make sure that our children are happy and healthy, which is why we have put together a list of everything you need to know about flat feet in children, their causes and whether or not you should seek help from a professional.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flat feet, or pes planus, is a condition where a child's or an infant's feet have no arch or a very low arch when they are standing or walking. Although you may not think so, flat feet are quite common in infants and children. According to a study, up to 44% of three to six-year-olds have flat feet. If you've noticed that your child's feet almost completely touch the floor when they are standing or walking, it is likely that they have flat feet.
What Causes Flat Feet in Children?
There's more than one reason why your child might have flat feet. This issue actually begins in the heel. The heel bone falls inward, which causes the foot to collapse where the arch should be. Therefore, if your child has flat feet, they won't be spreading their weight evenly, but they will be walking on the inside of their feet. There are two main reasons: low muscle tone (ligament laxity causing the heel bone to rotate inwards) or high muscle tone (Achilles tendon too short, pulling the foot inward).
Are Flat Feet Normal or Should I See a Podiatrist?
For many children, flat feet are normal and the issue usually corrects itself over time as the muscles begin to stretch and the soft tissues stiffen up. In a lot of cases, flat feet will fix themselves by the time your child is nine. However, if your child has started to experience joint pain, unusual or incorrect walking pattern, muscle weakness or exhaustion, or poor foot development, you should consider getting their feet checked by a podiatrist. Occasionally, flat feet can cause a significant amount of pain when your child is walking or running.
If you think your child has flat feet and you are concerned about the way they are walking or they are expressing they're in pain, contact Swan Podiatry and Orthotics. Our podiatrist in Darwin will be able to offer advice, support and solutions for your child's health.