Does My Child Have Flat Feet?
As parents, we obsess over every step our little ones take—which is natural and normal. Many parents are often troubled by the idea of their children having flat feet.
Do not fret! Very young children often have flat feet, at least when they are standing or walking. Kids’ feet are still soft and flexible, and often show very little arch when they are young. Even if you can see that characteristic curve when your little one is sitting in a high chair or walking on tiptoes, it often flattens again when they stand normally. This is known as Flexible Flatfoot, and is quite normal for children under the age of 6.
Will My Child’s Flat Feet Naturally Arch As They Get Older?
For most kids, the soft tissues that make up the bottom of the foot gradually tighten as they get older. As a result, those tissues become less flexible and slowly develop a characteristic arch shape. While most children with flexible flatfoot start “growing out” of the condition around age 6, approximately 20 percent will continue to have flat feet throughout adulthood. Flat feet in adulthood can eventually lead to a greater incidence of knee, hip, back, and foot problems. If flat feet were acquired in adulthood as a result of collapsing arches, it can become a serious problem.
If your child or young adult is not experiencing any painful symptoms, discomfort, developmental delays, or difficulty walking and standing, then treatment is not recommended nor necessary. However, if your child is having trouble keeping up with peers, tires quickly, or “runs funny,” there may be problems that need to be examined by one of our podiatrist.
With that being said, if your child or adolescent is experiencing significant discomfort related to their flat feet give Next Step Foot & Ankle Clinic a call. One of our skilled podiatrist will fully evaluate and address any underlying issues that may require treatment to your child’s flat feet. To schedule an appointment in Pleasanton or Universal City, TX, give us a call at (210) 375-6931.
