Find out more about flat feet and whether your child might require proper medical care.
Did you know that all children are born with flat feet? However, as your child gets older (typically around the age of 5 or 6 years old) arches will begin to develop. Of course, if your child is complaining of pain or other issues and you are concerned about flat feet here are some things to look for and what you can expect when you visit our Paterson and Paramus, NJ, podiatrist, Dr. Henry Slomowitz.
How can you tell if your child has flat feet?
There are two different kinds of flat feet: flexible and rigid. If a child has a flexible flat foot, arches may appear whenever your child lets feet dangle naturally or when standing on tiptoes. Flexible flat feet are really nothing to worry about and won’t require treatment.
A rigid flat foot, while rare, can also cause issues for your child. In children with a rigid flatfoot, you won’t be able to see arches at all even if they stand on their toes. If your child is complaining of pain in a very specific area of the foot rather than an overall aching sensation, then it’s time to schedule an appointment with our Paterson and Paramus podiatrist.
How are flat feet diagnosed?
First thing is first; we will need to examine your child’s feet. After all, this is the easiest way to tell whether your child could be suffering from flat feet or if there is potentially another issue that could be causing them pain. As they sit we will check their feet to see if arches appear. We will also check the function and mobility of joints in your little one’s feet and ankles.
If the ankle has limited mobility this could be due to a shortened Achilles tendon, which could be the reason for your child’s flexible flat feet. Of course, if your child isn’t experiencing any discomfort from their flat feet, treatment usually won’t be necessary.
How is flatfoot-related pain treated?
If a child is in pain, we can recommend specific shoes that can help provide the arch support they need for certain activities. We can also prescribe orthotics to help provide more stability and cushioning for their feet. Through these simple measures, you’ll find that most symptoms of flat feet will eventually go away.
Our podiatry office is happy to offer two convenient locations in both Paterson and Paramus, NJ, to provide both the Ridgewood and Hackensack areas with the foot care they need. Call us today if you have questions about the health of your children’s feet.