Flat Feet in Children: When to Seek Treatment

Flatfoot

Hello Dr.
Wang, I would like to ask what the definition of flat feet is.
My daughter is two years old, and the arch in her foot doesn't seem very pronounced.
When she runs barefoot, her footsteps sound quite heavy.
Does she need correction? Thank you, and I wish you a happy Easter.
Best regards.

Easter, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2007/01/06

Dr. Wang Jiayi reply Pediatrics

Dear Easte,
Flatfoot, commonly known as "duck foot," refers to the condition where the medial arch of the foot disappears while standing.
In fact, 97% of children have flatfoot at the age of one and a half, and by the age of ten, most will have developed normal arches, leaving only about 4% of children with persistent flatfoot.
Before the age of two, children's feet may appear flat due to the presence of subcutaneous fat; however, after two years of age, this thick fat gradually diminishes and the muscles of the foot begin to develop, leading to the gradual appearance of the arch.
Flatfoot in children under two is considered normal, but if the arch has not developed by ages five to six, it may indicate congenital flatfoot.
As long as the child does not experience pain and can walk normally, no treatment or corrective shoes are necessary.
However, if flatfoot is present without an arch and the child experiences pain while walking, medical evaluation and X-ray examination are required.
Flatfoot itself is not a disease, but if pain caused by flatfoot affects daily life, treatment by a foot and ankle orthopedic specialist is necessary.
Your child can currently be monitored.
The Pediatrics Department of Hualien Hospital cares about you!

Reply Date: 2007/01/06

More Info

Flat feet, or pes planus, is a common condition in children characterized by a lack of the normal arch in the foot. In a typical foot, the arch helps distribute weight and absorb shock during activities like walking and running. When a child has flat feet, the entire sole of the foot may come into contact with the ground, which can lead to various issues, including discomfort, pain, and potential problems with alignment and posture.

In young children, flat feet are often a normal part of development. Many infants and toddlers have flat feet because their arches have not yet developed fully. By the age of 2 to 3 years, many children will begin to show signs of developing arches, but it is not uncommon for some children to continue to have flat feet into their later childhood years.
In your case, since your daughter is only two years old and you mentioned that the arch is not very pronounced, it is likely that she is still in the normal range of development. The sound of her feet while running may be due to several factors, including her gait, the surface she is running on, or simply the way she moves.
When considering whether treatment is necessary, there are several factors to take into account:
1. Symptoms: If your daughter is experiencing pain or discomfort in her feet, legs, or knees, it may be worth consulting a pediatrician or a pediatric orthopedic specialist. Pain is often the primary indicator that treatment may be needed.

2. Developmental Milestones: If your daughter is meeting her developmental milestones in terms of walking, running, and jumping, and is not showing signs of discomfort, it may not be necessary to seek treatment at this time.

3. Observation: It is essential to monitor her foot development as she grows. Many children outgrow flat feet without any intervention. If you notice any changes in her walking pattern, increased clumsiness, or signs of pain, it would be prudent to seek a professional opinion.

4. Footwear: Ensure that she is wearing supportive shoes that fit well. Proper footwear can help provide the necessary support for her developing feet.

5. Consultation: If you are still concerned about her flat feet, consider scheduling an appointment with a pediatrician or a specialist in pediatric orthopedics. They can perform a thorough examination and may recommend further evaluation, such as a gait analysis or imaging studies if necessary.

In summary, flat feet in young children are often a normal part of development and may not require treatment unless there are associated symptoms or concerns. Regular monitoring and ensuring proper footwear can help support her foot development. If you have ongoing concerns, seeking advice from a healthcare professional is always a good step.

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