Is Child Being Flat-footed A Cause For Concern?

Posted on Wed, 19 Aug 2015

Question: My Son (age 4 years) has Flatfoot. Is there any repercussions due to the same?
Can it be corrected, if yes, how.

Thanks & Regards
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
I won't get worried for flat foot at this age

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

Flat foot is considered to be normal in children.
It is a condition where tissues joining the bones(tendons) of foot are loose.As the children grows the tissues tighten and normal arch pattern of the foot developes in most of them till adulthood.Some may remain flat footed even in adulthood.
It does not causes any problem in this age group.The flat foot children or adult can walk bare footed,run,jump or do any other activities without any problem.
Very few of flat foot persons can develop pain and in that case arch support (orthotic) a support which you can put in your shoes will help.
Very rarely other interventions may be needed.

So I won't get worried unless it is associared with severe pain or walking deformity as this is a normal physiological change which improves as the child grows.

I hope this helps.
Please feel free to ask any further queries if you have any.
Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar