Flat Feet Treatment Bankstown NSW
What Is Flat Feet?
Flat feet in children is often a concern for many parents. When a child is referred to having flatfeet, it means that the inner arch of the foot is flat in shape and is in touch with the ground during standing. This is mainly due to the bones of the foot not wedging during the growth of the child to form an arch like shape, overstretched and lax ligaments, muscular problems, tears and deformities, tendons and neurological disorders. Children with flatfeet also present with a genetic trait and most children have parents, sibling or a relative with the same problem.
Flat feet presents in two forms:
Flexible flatfeet deformity: Although flexibility is normal and present in children feet, children with flatfeet present with arches that collapse and fall therefore is flat and almost horizontal with the ground during a weight bearing position. In non weight bearing positions and when the big toe is raised from the floor, the arch restores its normal shape and contour. Flexible flatfeet usually does not cause pain. Wearing out the inner aspect of shoes is common.
Rigid Flatfeet deformity: Children with flatfeet can develop rigidity as they grow older. This referred to as flatfeet with restricted and limited joint range of motion in the joints of the foot. In a non weight bearing position the arch is still flat and collapsed. Children with rigid flatfeet usually are symptomatic and suffer from aches and pains especially those who participate in sports. Excess wearing out of shoes on one side is also present in this case.
Treatment for Flat Feet
Diagnosis will be determined by your Podiatrist through a biomechanical examination that assesses the child's signs/symptoms, foot examination and testing and the child's gait.
Treatment usually involves the use of arch inserts as the child grows to provide the correct foot alignment. Strengthening and stretching exercises are also utilised in the treatment plan.
If you are concerned about your child’s flat feet, let us put your mind at ease. At Bankstown Podiatry Clinic, our podiatrists can help with a range of conditions – call us for a friendly chat on (02) 9791 5798 or visit our conveniently located office Bankstown, Sydney.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can flat feet cause problems?
While flat feet may not directly cause problems, they can contribute to conditions such as achilles tendonitis, bunions, arthritis in the lower limbs, plantar fasciitis and shin splints.
Is having flat feet bad?
While some people lead perfectly healthy and active lifestyles with flat feet, it is a foot deformity that should be corrected ideally early on. Your feet are the foundation of your body and having flat feet can cause serious issues with the rest of your body. A person with flat feet is more likely to develop conditions like bunions and plantar fasciitis as well as contributing to poor posture, lower back pain, hip pain and knee pain.
Can you correct flat feet?
If you are an adult with flat feet, there really is no way to permanently correct your feet. Your podiatrist may recommend insoles and stretching exercises to help prevent foot, heel and ankle conditions that become much more common among people with flat feet. If you are concerned about your child's flat feet, feel free to pop by and visit our podiatrists. Flat feet can be corrected in children quite easily in most cases.