Flat feet in children

Many children have flat feet and in fact all children have a flat foot until the age of approximately 4 years when the arch of the foot starts to develop. A few will have an arch earlier but many of those feet are not normal. If the arch has not appeared before the age of 10 years then it will not do so and the foot will always be flat.

A flat foot is not a problem unless it is painful or stiff. Many high class athletes have flatfeet and have no problems with them. If aching or pain occurs then it may be helped with supportive foot wear or insoles (called orthotics). There are a number of conditions that cause pain and stiffness and these may need surgery to stop the pain and improve the shape of the foot.

Flat feet that cause problems often occur in children who have other conditions such as cerebral palsy and neuromuscular conditions. These are more likely to require surgery to help them but non-operative management should always be tried first.

Orthopaedic Surgeon	Uglow Orthopaedics Introduction Home Leukaemia Research Testimonials Full text testimonials Profile Publications Services Children's Orthopaedics Adult Orthopaedics Pre-operative information Post-operative programs Links - Doctors & Therapists Links - Hospitals & Organisations Contact Site map Specialist in Foot & Ankle Surgery and Children’s Orthopaedics

Flat feet in children Many children have flat feet and in fact all children have a flat foot until the age of approximately 4 years when the arch of the foot starts to develop. A few will have an arch earlier but many of those feet are not normal. If the arch has not appeared before the age of 10 years then it will not do so and the foot will always be flat. A flat foot is not a problem unless it is painful or stiff. Many high class athletes have flatfeet and have no problems with them. If aching or pain occurs then it may be helped with supportive foot wear or insoles (called orthotics). There are a number of conditions that cause pain and stiffness and these may need surgery to stop the pain and improve the shape of the foot. Flat feet that cause problems often occur in children who have other conditions such as cerebral palsy and neuromuscular conditions. These are more likely to require surgery to help them but non-operative management should always be tried first.
updatable website by 123Live