Pediatric flat feet is a type of condition that affects a child’s entire foot sole that contacts with the ground. This is also called fallen arches and pes planus. Flat feet appear when the arch of the foot either collapses or fails while developing.
Children’s flat feet are common because of the reason that their joints and bones are quite flexible. When they reach the age of six, they outgrow this condition. Weak arches mean that there is a visible arch when your child sits but there is a flattened foot when they stand on the ground.
Causes of Pediatric Flat Feet
Some causes of pediatric flat feet are as follows.
- Muscle diseases or diseases related to the nervous system like spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, and cerebral palsy.
- Ankle or foot injury.
- Genetic factors can cause flat feet that can pass from one generation to another through genes.
- Posterior tibial tendon rupture, dysfunction, and damage.
Symptoms of Pediatric Flat Feet
Pediatric flat feet can appear at the time of birth. Sometimes it is visible only after a few years. Children who have flat feet do not experience any such symptoms but those that they experience are as follows.
- Withdrawal from certain physical activities.
- Difficulty using shoes.
- Cramping, tenderness, pain in the knee, leg, and foot.
- Tilting of the heel outwardly.
- Changes and awkwardness while walking.
Treatment of Pediatric Flat Feet
If your child’s condition is symptomatic and requires treatment, there are various nonsurgical options available.
- Orthotics
- Modification of activity levels.
- Proper footwear.
- Physical therapy.
Conclusion
If you need treatment for your child’s flat feet, you can get in touch with Dr. Chetan Oswal at Orthowin Clinic, Pune.