As parents, it’s only natural to be concerned about our children’s health, and when it comes to their feet – flat foot fears top the list of worries we see in the clinic.
The fact is, there are a lot of flat foot myths floating around, so it’s essential to separate fact from fiction to put those worries to rest!
Firstly, it’s generally not until a child is five or six that a podiatrist would consider orthotics or another type of treatment for flat feet. Why?
Because in a child younger than that, flat feet are actually quite common – in fact, they can be developmental and not at all concerning in isolation.
What are Flat Feet?
Flat feet are a common condition where the longitudinal arch of the foot has not developed properly, causing the entire sole of the foot to make contact with the ground. This can be a result of genetics, injury, or weakened arch-supporting structures. It may not cause symptoms, but some individuals may experience foot pain, discomfort, or issues with balance and posture.
However, here’s the thing: Excess pronation (the natural inward rolling movement of the foot or ankle when a person is walking or running) can make your child appear like they have flat feet. But they don’t! It can just look more pronounced due to the bone growing faster than soft tissue, creating a temporary muscular imbalance.
What are the Biggest Flat Foot Myths?
Myth 1: Flat Feet are Abnormal in Children
In reality, it’s quite normal for infants and toddlers to have flat feet. Arch development is an ongoing process that continues throughout childhood – and you may not see it developing properly until even the age of six or seven.
Also, if you’re only seeing the flat feet while your child is standing, walking, or running it may just be excess pronation. In a true case of flat foot, the arch contour remains flat regardless of whether the child is standing or sitting.
Myth 2: Flat Feet Always Require Treatment
While you should always seek professional advice from a podiatrist for your child if you’re concerned, it’s another misconception that all cases of flat feet demand immediate intervention.
In truth, most children with flat feet don’t experience any pain or discomfort. Paediatric flat feet are often flexible, meaning the arch appears when the child stands on tiptoes but flattens when standing normally. Unless a child complains of pain or exhibits difficulty walking, there’s usually no need for concern.
Myth 3: Orthopedic Shoes are the Only Solution
Some parents mistakenly believe that the solution to flat feet lies solely in orthopedic shoes. In fact, with true flat foot there is no arch, so there’s no point treating the patient with orthotics as it would only cause them pain. So, while supportive footwear can be beneficial in certain cases, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Children with flexible flat feet also often outgrow the condition as they develop and may not require any intervention. However, if pain persists or if there are concerns about your child’s gait, it’s crucial to consult a podiatrist for personalised advice.
Myth 4: Flat Feet Cause Lifelong Problems
Contrary to popular belief, having flat feet during childhood does not necessarily translate to lifelong foot problems. Again, many children naturally develop arches as they grow. In cases where flat feet persist into adulthood and cause discomfort, appropriate interventions can be explored at that time. However, most cases of paediatric flat feet resolve on their own without causing long-term issues.
We hope it helps bring a sigh of relief knowing that flat feet in children are often a normal part of development. While it’s essential to monitor your child’s foot health, there’s no need to panic if flat feet are detected.
If you do have flat foot concerns or if your child experiences pain, Trevor Lane Podiatry is your Redlands family podiatry centre and can provide the best guidance for your unique situation. Book in for an appointment via our secure online booking system or call us on (07) 3207 4736.