![]() ![]() Shutterstock We need to rely on the best evidenceĬonfusion about flat feet has occupied the community for decades. Off-the-shelf foot orthotics are usually enough, which are cheaper than custom made versions. In this era of over-medicalisation, it’s important to avoid unnecessary treatment which is not evidence-based. Rigid flat feet are very unusual in children, and usually associated with other diagnoses, such as cerebral palsy. All surgery carries risk, and generally will only even be considered when good non-surgical care fails. It’s very unlikely for healthy children with flexible flat feet to need surgical treatment. In the absence of pain, there’s no evidence to support the use of more expensive, customised foot orthotics. In terms of foot orthotics, the good news is low-cost, off-the-shelf orthotics are usually sufficient. ![]() Specific physical activity, like hopping, swimming and balancing. Well-selected shoes alone make a difference and can be the only “treatment” required.Įxercises, such as muscle stretches and strengthening How do you treat problem flat feet?Īny treatment requires sound justification, and is usually quite simple.įootwear is always the first thing to get right. ![]() If a child’s parents, grandparents or siblings have painful flat feet, it’s reasonable to raise suspicion and monitor foot development and gait over time. Unexplained difficulty with walking, running and sports should be checked. The magnitude of flatness also generally reduces with time.Ĭhildren’s gait development should not be impeded by flat feet, nor should flat feet delay meeting expected milestones. Normally, children with flat feet have no pain and have two feet that look similar and are flexible. It’s worth having your child assessed if they have:ĭifferences between the left and right feet Shutterstock When to investigate flat feetįlat feet that are likely to become problematic can now be better identified in children. Children’s flat feet get less flat as they get older. ![]()
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