Does your child have flat feet and is it something to worry about?
UAE-based experts explain causes, types and treatments for flat feet
Most babies are born with flat feet, that is to say their little soles do not possess a natural arch. This arch, which helps in proper distribution of weight on the feet and normal gait, will usually form by the time a child is about four or five years old.
US-based Foot First Podiatry explains that one way to tell if someone has a flat foot is by getting them to wet their feet and then standing them on a flat surface. The resultant wet area will let you know how flat the feet are. There are of course other ways to diagnose the issue including X-rays at a podiatrist’s office.
We asked the experts about the condition and what it could mean for your child – here’s what they said.
What is flat foot?
Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Moosa Kazim, of Dubai-based Orthosports Medical Centre, explains that flatfoot is a condition where the normal arch of the foot has flattened out, causing the foot to rotate outwards at the front and roll inwards at the back, or heel.
Flatfoot is a condition where the normal arch of the foot has flattened out, causing the foot to rotate outwards at the front and roll inwards at the back, or heel.
“This causes the normal foot mechanics to change, resulting in overuse of some of the calf muscles and an altered gait pattern. Occasionally there is pain when walking or running,” he adds.
He says that there are many cases of low foot arches, true flatfoot is relatively uncommon.
Dr Zein Foud Hassan, Specialist Orthopaedic with Prime Hospital and Prime Medical Centre Jumeriah, adds that flat feet are quite common and present in about 25 per cent of kids. Usually, an arch will develop by toddler-hood.
What causes the condition?
Dr Hassan says: “There are various causes for flat feet, but common causes include:
- Genetic factors and ligamentous laxity – flat feet can pass from parent to children
- Excess weight causes stress on the arches,
- Foot or ankle injuries,
- Weakness in the muscles, and
- Cerebral palsy.”
What are the types of flat feet?
Dr Kazim explains that there are various types of flat feet, but the exact cause for most remains unknown.
US-based Cleveland Clinic lists the following types:
Flexible: Flexible flat feet are the most common. You can see the arches in the feet when you aren’t standing. The arches disappear when you put weight on the feet. Flexible flatfoot comes on during childhood or the teen years. It affects both feet and gradually gets worse with age. Tendons and ligaments in the arches of the feet can stretch, tear and swell.
Rigid: A person with rigid flat feet has no arches when standing (putting weight on the feet) or sitting (no weight on the feet). This condition often develops during the teen years and gets worse with age. Your feet may feel painful. It can be difficult to flex the feet up or down or move them side-to-side. Flatfoot may affect one foot or both.
Adult-acquired (fallen arch): With an adult-acquired flat foot (fallen arch), the foot's arch unexpectedly drops or collapses. The fallen arch causes the foot to turn outward and can be painful. The problem may affect only one foot. The most common cause is inflammation or a tear in the leg tendon (posterior tibial tendon) that supports the arch.
Vertical talus: Some babies have a birth defect called vertical talus that prevents arches from forming. The talus bone in the ankle is in the wrong position. The bottom of the foot resembles the bottom of a rocking chair. Vertical talus is also called rocker-bottom foot.
Signs to watch out for
Dr Hassan urges parents to be on guard if they see their child experiencing pain while walking. Symptoms also include:
- Calf pain,
- Tiredness after exercise,
- Frequent tripping,
- Walking with great difficulty, and
- Adapting wrong posture.
What’s the treatment for a child with flatfoot?
Dr Kazim explains: “For a true flatfoot, use of an arch support is helpful. This could be either built-in to the shoe or sandal or be used as an insert (orthotic) to help support the arch.”
“Physiotherapy for stretching and strengthening exercises in addition to arch support can help significantly,” he adds.
As the child grows and gets heavier, true flatfoot deformities often worsen and the arch support may no longer be enough. In rare cases, surgery may be required to correct or prevent worsening, he warns.
Flat feet are quite common and present in about 25 per cent of kids.
Can exercises help?
Exercises can be beneficial to those with flat feet, says Dr Kazim, especially stretching of the Achilles tendon and strengthening other muscles that support the arch. “Generally exercises are more beneficial when coupled with arch supports in the shoes/sandals.”
Dr Hassan lists the other workouts that may benefit kids with the condition:
- Heel cord stretching,
- Ball roll,
- Single limb balance.
Are there any health complications caused by flatfeet?
The most common health problem is fatigue of the feet and legs with prolonged walking, and abnormal gait patterns while walking and running, says Dr Kazim.
However, warns Dr Hassan, flat feet can result in medical complications such as:
- Arthritis in the ankle and foot joints,
- Inflammation of the ligaments and tendons in the feet, and
- Toe deformities.
“If the flatfoot deformity is worsening, or any pain is increasing, the parents should seek medical help. On rare occasions orthopaedic surgery may be required for correction/prevention,” adds Dr Kazim.
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