Flat Feet During Childhood: Diagnostic And Relief With Orthotic Arch Supports - 1:20 AM, 2/9/2009

Flat feet during the early years is commonly difficult to spot when they are first born, since the true shape of the foot is often hidden by baby fat. As time passes and as the infant starts walking, the situation becomes evident. As the child gets older, it is normal for an arch to appear between the ages of four and six, as it is often developed by walking barefoot on bumpy terrain. This develops tendons, muscles, and ligaments. If a normal arch does not appear during this stage of development, then it may be necessary to investigate using arch support insoles to keep back or lower extremity health conditions from emerging later in life.

Pronation –the excessive rolling inwards of the ankles and feet, and resulting collapse of the arches– is found in up to seventy percent of the population. Over a period of time, excessive pronation will also cause back problems in addition to foot pain, and also leg problems. Many people do not comprehend how correct foot, leg and back alignment are interrelated, and it is imperative to remedy any foot problems such as childhood flat feet to prevent further damage to other lower body parts.

It is recommended to identify childhood flat feet as soon as possible to prevent the resulting problems later in life. While sometimes it is a normal part of aging, it is possible for adults of any age to develop flat feet. Flat feet can be brought about for reasons such as pregnancy, injury, or illness, and can be temporary or permanent, depending on the reason. Excess weight can also cause flat feet in adults or children.

You can test if a foot arch is being developed is by using a wet blotter. With this technique, you create a footprint of your child’s damp foot on colored paper. Then you check if the foot arch leaves a noticeable gap. You can also do this on a beach, or in a sandbox by inspecting the foot impression, however the test with the blotter is much more helpful. Another indication of flat feet is when the child complains about his or her calf muscles or ankles ache after walking for a period of time, as childhood flat feet can cause additional strain on ankles and calves to offset the lack of arches in the feet. In some cases, a child may walk on the external edges of his feet, and this is often mistaken for bowleggedness, when in reality it is a consequence of over-pronation caused by flat feet.

Foot conditions such as childhood flat feet can be corrected to prevent serious complications like plantar fasciitis and avoid damage to ankles, calves, or lower back. A recommended measure of prevention is through the use of arch support insoles. A podiatrist (foot specialist) should be able to investigate the symptoms and advise proper treatment, which could include arch support insoles or foot exercises, according to your particular situation. In many cases, standard arch support insoles products available at retail stores or on the Internet, can provide the needed arch support, without the need for high-priced custom-made arch support inserts or other aids available via prescription.

It is important to keep in mind when it comes to childhood flat feet is that early detection can avert many serious problems to other body parts such as the knees and lower back over time. It is easy to treat childhood flat feet through readily available and affordable arch support insoles.