Pediatric Flatfoot Deformity and Its Treatment

Pediatric flatfoot is a common problem in kids. It means the arches in their feet don’t form the way they should. Sometimes, flat feet don’t hurt at all. Other times, they can make walking uncomfortable or even painful. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this deformity.

What Is Pediatric Flatfoot?

Pediatric flatfoot is when a child’s foot arch doesn’t develop properly. It makes the whole bottom of the foot touch the ground. Since kids’ feet are still growing, it’s common to see flat feet in young children. But sometimes, flatfoot stays even as they get older.

Here’s the thing: flat feet in kids are different from adults. Kids often have flexible flatfoot, which means the arch shows up when they stand on their toes but disappears when they stand flat. That’s pretty normal for younger kids and often doesn’t hurt.

But there’s another kind called rigid flatfoot. This type doesn’t change whether the child is on their toes or flat-footed. It’s less common and can cause pain or stiffness. Rigid flatfoot is usually more of a concern among podiatrists Mesa.

Symptoms of Pediatric Flatfoot

Causes of Flatfeet in Children

Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Flatfoot

Let’s see how flatfoot pediatric experts can diagnose and treat this condition with no-surgical methods:

Diagnosis

To figure out if a child has pediatric flatfoot, foot and ankle specialists Phoenix usually start with a simple physical exam. They look at how the foot moves and whether the arch appears when the child stands on their toes. If the foot stays flat even when on tiptoes, it might be rigid flatfoot.

Doctors might also watch how the child walks. This is called a gait analysis. They look for things like rolling the feet inward or uneven steps. Sometimes, they might ask the child to do a few exercises to see how the foot moves.

If needed, the doctor may order an X-ray. This helps them see the bones and how they are shaped. In some cases, an MRI can give a better view of the soft tissues like tendons and ligaments.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Most kids with pediatric flatfoot don’t need surgery. The main goal is to reduce pain and improve how the foot works:

Observation

Sometimes, the best treatment is just keeping an eye on it. If the flatfoot doesn’t hurt or affect how the child walks, doctors might just watch how the foot changes as the child grows. This is called observation. It’s pretty common, especially if the flatfoot is flexible and painless.

Custom Orthotics

When there’s pain or discomfort, custom orthotics can help. These are special shoe inserts that support the arch. They’re made to fit the child’s foot and give extra cushioning. Orthotics can make walking more comfortable, especially during sports or long walks.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can also be helpful. A therapist might teach the child exercises to strengthen the foot and leg muscles. Stretching tight tendons is important, too. Exercises like toe curls and heel raises can build strength and improve foot posture.

Proper Footwear

Wearing the right shoes is more important than most parents think. Shoes that have good arch support and a cushioned sole make a big difference. Flat, flimsy shoes can make the problem worse.

Pain Management

If the child has pain, doctors might recommend taking over-the-counter pain relievers. Ice packs can also help with swelling, especially after a lot of activity. Sometimes, doctors advise cutting back on high-impact sports for a while. Instead, they might suggest activities like swimming, which put less stress on the feet.

When Is Pediatric Flatfoot Surgery Needed?

Pediatric flatfoot surgery​ is pretty rare. It’s usually only considered when non-surgical treatments don’t work, and the flatfoot is causing severe pain or mobility issues. Foot doctors Gilbert might think about surgery if the flatfoot is rigid and painful or if it makes walking really hard. Another reason could be if the flatfoot gets worse as the child gets older.

During surgery, the goal is to fix the problem causing the flatfoot. This could mean realigning bones, lengthening tendons, or even fusing joints in very severe cases. Recovery usually involves wearing a cast or brace for a few weeks and then doing physical therapy to get the foot back in shape.

Child Flatfeet Exercises

Pediatric flatfoot exercises can make a big difference for kids with flatfeet. The key is doing them regularly. Here are some that really help:

• One simple exercise is toe curls. Sit, put the foot flat on the floor, and put a towel in front of it. Try to scrunch the towel toward the body using just the toes. This strengthens the arch muscles.
• Heel raises are also useful. Stand on both feet and slowly lift the heels, balancing on the toes. Hold for a few seconds, then lower down. This helps build the muscles that support the arch.
• Arch lifts are another good one. Stand barefoot and try to raise the arch while keeping the toes on the ground. It can feel tricky at first, but it’s great for training the foot muscles.
• Rolling a tennis ball under the foot is great for loosening tight muscles. Just sit down, place the ball under the arch, and roll it back and forth.
• Calf stretches are important, too. Stand facing a wall and step one foot back. Then, lean forward and keep the back leg straight. This stretch helps with tight calves, which can make flatfoot worse.

Pediatric Flatfoot Correction in Phoenix, AZ

If your child has flat feet and you’re worried about it, we’re here to help. At Foot and Ankle Specialty Centers, we understand how stressful it can be to see your child struggle with foot pain. Our team of podiatrists specializes in diagnosing and treating pediatric flatfoot.

We offer personalized care, from custom orthotics to physical therapy plans. If surgery is needed, our surgeons are experienced and compassionate. Schedule a consultation online, and let’s get started!

Let’s Recap

Pediatric flatfoot is confusing and a little scary for parents. But the good news is that many kids outgrow it, and treatments can help a lot. Don’t ignore foot pain or awkward walking. Remember to get help early makes a big difference.

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