What is pediatric flatfoot?
Pediatric Flatfoot is a commonly seen condition among children that have a low arch or no arch at all. This condition is usually painless and will likely resolve on its own as the child grows due to the muscles and ligaments continuing to gain strength over time.
What are symptoms of pediatric flatfoot?
Though most children that experience pediatric flatfoot will have minimal or no symptoms, there are cases where patients encounter:
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Difficulty with walking, running and other related activities
What are the types of pediatric flatfoot?
There are two types of pediatric flatfoot commonly observed:
- Flexible flatfoot – In flexible flatfoot, the arch appears only when the child is sitting or standing on their toes but disappears when they stand flat on the ground. This specific type of flatfoot is not known to cause pain or hindrances in walking or gait in most cases.
- Rigid flatfoot – In rigid flatfoot, the child’s arch of their foot does not reappear when the child is on their toes. Pain, stiffness, and trouble walking or participating in activities are all commonly observed in this type of Pediatric Flatfoot.
How is pediatric flatfoot diagnosed?
To best diagnose pediatric flatfoot, an orthopaedic surgeon will examine the feet or affected foot and observe how it looks when the child is sitting and when they’re standing. They will also analyze the child’s gait when walking and the functional range of motion the child displays when using the foot. Sometimes, flatfoot can be related to a problem in the leg, so your surgeon will likely examine the lower extremities in totality. X-rays are often used to determine the severity of the deformity and occasionally additional diagnostic imaging is ordered.
What are treatment options for pediatric flatfoot?
Treatment for pediatric flatfoot will vary based on an individual’s condition and overall health. Often, your child’s doctor may call for observation, which just means they’ll keep an eye on it as the child grows. Physical therapy, stretching and strengthening exercises may be introduced along the way with the goal of improving muscle function and bolstering the arch of the foot. Orthotic devises are another common tool used to provide support and guide the foot into proper alignment with each step. In rare cases where conservative treatment is not effective, surgery may be needed to correct the alignment of the foot.