My Child Has Flat Feet – What Should I Do?

Orthoses in this group were fabricated with an arch support and 5º medial wedge. This group consisted of six subjects with a mean duration of treatment of 7.2 months (4- to 10-month range). Three individuals in this group perceived their condition as good since the initiation of orthotic treatment. One subject was within the average weight range and another would not discuss weight characteristics. The other four individuals averaged 36.8 pounds over the upper limit of the average weight range. Activity level increased in only one subject and pain decreased in three subjects. If the child complains about pain in the foot and ankle then consult a doctor. The doctor may suggest some foot exercises or special exercises for flat feet. A proper-fitting shoe or specially-made sole can relieve your child from pain. It is better to consult the doctor before buying such shoes. Also, check the quality and comfort of the shoe. In some cases, surgeries to separate the fused bone or to give arch to the feet are conducted. These surgeries are very rarely performed on children. Just walking barefoot on the beach can also give your feet muscles a good workout. One of the surest signs that flat feet may need to receive medical attention is when foot pain is experienced consistently. Many people suffering from this condition find it difficult to stand on their toes, and some suffer from prolonged swelling on the inside of the ankle. In some cases, the turned ankles can cause lower back pain. Other sure indications of flat feet are shoes that wear unevenly and shoes that collapse toward the inside of the foot. Unless foot pain is experienced, medical treatment is not recommended. Adults may notice symptoms after being on their feet for long periods of time. The foot may become tired orpes planus valgus Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical and foot exam will be done. Flat feet can be diagnosed by appearance. To determine if the foot is rigid, you may be asked to do some simple tasks. Orthotics are shoe inserts that support the foot. These inserts may help to reduce pain and disability. In mild cases, a well-fitting pair of shoes with arch support may be all that is needed. Feet that do not respond to the treatments above may need surgery. The surgery will help to create a supportive arch. Way back in September 1998, I went for a trip with some of my colleagues of the University in Tokyo suburbs to attend Japanese Physics Society Conference in Okinawa. We did a lot of sightseeing and attended only a few conference sessions! While we were lazing along one of the beaches in Okinawa, I saw the feet of my hubby (then a colleague) and was really surprised and shocked to see his flat foot. Until then I had never come across anyone having flat feet. As a matter of fact, my parents also never came across any person having flat feet until they met hubby. A neuroma is an area of thickened nerve tissue. This tissue can develop anywhere in your body. According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, a Morton's neuroma is one of the most common neuromas in the foot. The neuroma develops between the base of the third and fourth toes. However, other areas of the foot can be afflicted. The development of a neuroma occurs due to continued compression on the toes or feet. Eventually, continued compression can cause swelling of the nerves, which can eventually lead to nerve damage.pes planus deformity This represents the general finding found in almost all people to some degree or another. It’s what I call the modern cave man position in which our head juts forward in front of our bodies when we primarily sit in a poor position in front of the computer, read or slouch. This finding can represent poor muscular control of the deep muscles of your neck and may lead to chronic neck and jaw pain as well as headaches due to hyperactive posterior neck musculature. Shoe sales persons may tell you that expensive shoes will help your child walk better, but this is not true; regular, inexpensive shoes may be worn