Humans are said to be the most evolved creatures on Earth. The main difference between us and other creatures is our upright spine which allows us to stand up straight and walk on two legs. Did you ever wonder how the whole weight of our body is balanced on two legs? Well, it is possible because the spine is the center line of our body and all organs are symmetrically placed on both sides. So, when we walk, our body weight moves from one side to the other. Humans also have a horizontal sole, which helps us to stand more comfortably.
One of the normal development of feet is the formation of an arc along the inner edge of the feet. However, sometimes we see that few children do not have an arch and their entire sole touches the ground. This condition is known as flat feet and it can be found in one or both feet.
About Flat Feet
Flat foot is very common in adults and in children. There are many types of flat foot; all types share one common characteristic – partial or total collapse of the arch. Presence of flat foot is very common in infants as the arch is not visible due to the presence of thick infant fat or loose joints that falls when the kid stands up, therefore it is sometime called as “fallen arches” or “pediatric flat foot”. Later when the baby grows, the arch forms naturally. In some kids arch never forms resulting in flat foot.
Causes of flat foot
In children flat feet are mostly caused by
- Infant fat between the joints in the foot
- Loose joints or ligaments in the foot
- Fusion of two or more bones in the foot, limiting its motion and resulting in flat feet—a condition called tarsal coalition
- Pronation – a condition where the legs are turned in an angle where the ankle bone is leaning inward towards the centerline
- Wearing shoes that cause pronation
- Having a family history
Consulting a Doctor
Most of the time, flat foot don’t cause any problems in children or adults. There are 2 types of flat foot in children: asymptomatic and symptomatic. Asymptomatic flat foot does not show any symptoms while symptomatic flat foot may manifest troublesome symptoms. Parents should take their child to the pediatrician if the child complains of pain, tenderness, and cramping often in the foot, ankle or knees as well as heel or arch pain while walking or running.
The child may have abnormal walking or awkward walking. The heel may point outward which makes wearing shoes difficult. The shoes may wear out quickly. Due to stiff, weak, and numb feet, the child may not be able to participate in physical activities in school. Flat feet that are rigid and not flexible can cause these symptoms.
Treatment
If the kid does not complain of any symptoms, then treatment is usually not needed. However, regular monitoring and re-evaluation will be necessary. If the child experiences symptoms then treatment is required.
The doctor may suggest a significant change in the child’s routine, such as temporarily reducing the amount of time the child spends on physical activity and avoiding long periods of standing or walking. Orthodontic devices may be recommended and inserted into the kid’s shoes to support the structure of the foot and improve the leg function. Specifically modified footwear may also be advised. Physical therapists may teach the child specific types of physical activities. Medications like anti-inflammatory drugs may help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with flat feet.
Only if the above treatment options do not provide relief to the child and if the reason for flat foot is a fusion of two bones, will surgery be recommended. The surgical procedure is dependent on the cause of the flat foot. Surgery straightens the bone responsible for the flat foot.
Outlook
Born with a flat foot or no arch formation at a later age is not a cause for concern, as long as it does not interfere with daily activities. Although flat foot is said to run in families, it is not mandatory for parents to wear special insole footwear for their children. Treating children for flat feet does not guarantee that the condition will not reoccur in adulthood.
