Flat feet occur when the arches on the inside of the feet flatten under pressure. In a footprint, the entire sole will be visible on the print as the inside of the foot doesn't lift off the ground. Normally, an indent appears in the middle, inside of the footprint, due to the raised arch.

Usually, there's no apparent cause, and the condition is genetic, meaning you are born with flat feet. One possible explanation is that the foot bones don't develop properly in the womb. Although flat feet are usually not painful, they can become painful if left untreated. Here are some tips on addressing this condition in your child before it worsens.

How to Correct Flat Feet in Children

Flat feet are common in children. Prevalence statistics vary according to the age group of children studied. Still, this recent meta-analysis that included 15 studies based on 14,483 participants found that a prevalence of 25.3% of flat feet symptoms was detected among all age groups.

We often see kids grow out of it naturally as growth and development progress. But in some cases, it remains. Children have bones and joints that are very flexible, which is a reason why this condition is so common in kids but also a reason its treatable. Address this issue in your child before they tell you they are hurting.

• Physiotherapy: In physio, we work with your child to tailor an individualized exercise program to strengthen and stretch the muscles and ligaments in and around the feet and ankles.
• Insoles: Custom insoles for your child's shoes can be a lifesaver. They are designed to fit your child's unique needs of your child and can be adjusted as they grow. Insoles can significantly ease pain by providing structural support to flat feet and promoting a healthy distribution of pressure in your child's feet.
• Surgery: In the rarest of cases, and when conservative options have failed to relieve pain, surgery may be necessary. This is a last resort for children with severely flat feet that cause significant pain or mobility issues. Surgery can involve various options depending on the unique causes of your child's flat feet, such as heel cord lengthening or a complete restructuring of the foot bones.

Finding Relief for Your Child's Flat Feet

When our children are in pain, we are in pain. Alleviate their pain (and yours) by seeking help. We encourage you to check out First Walkers' orthotic-friendly shoes on our website. You can find orthopaedic footwear that can be worn with insoles, providing additional support for your child's flat feet.

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