Fax: (239) 692-9436
Tel: 239-430-3668Many parents tell us they have no idea where to turn for advice about a child’s flat feet. The video below is a great starting point, and the guidance here explains what pediatric flatfoot is, when it needs treatment, and when it can simply be watched.
Is a Flat Foot Normal in Children?
Most young children have flat feet because the arch develops over time and their ligaments are naturally loose. The majority outgrow it and never have pain. A flexible flatfoot — one where an arch appears when the child stands on tiptoe — is usually normal. The cases we watch more closely are those that are stiff (rigid), painful, or only on one side.
Signs Your Child Should Be Evaluated
- Foot, heel, arch, or leg pain, or frequent cramping
- Tiring easily, or refusing to walk or play as much as peers
- An awkward or in-toeing/out-toeing gait, or shoes that wear unevenly
- A foot that is stiff, or a flatfoot on only one side
Treatment: Most Cases Are Not Surgical
The good news is that the great majority of pediatric flatfeet are treated conservatively. Options include a true custom orthotic such as a UCBL device, supportive shoes, and Achilles/calf stretching to ease a tight heel cord. If a child remains symptomatic despite these measures — or has a rigid deformity — then surgical options are discussed. Only a small percentage of children ever need an operation, and those true surgical cases should be managed by surgeons with extensive training in pediatric foot and ankle reconstruction. Treatment protocols follow the guidelines of the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons.
When to See a Specialist
If your child complains of foot or leg pain, tires quickly, or has feet that look or function differently, a quick evaluation brings peace of mind and catches the few cases that benefit from early treatment.
For more information or to schedule an evaluation with a board-certified foot and ankle specialist, call (239) 430-3668 (FOOT) or book online at NaplesPodiatrist.com.
Serving Southwest Florida since 2005, Family Foot & Leg Center has 9 convenient locations throughout Collier, Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties — Naples, Estero, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Port Charlotte, and Sarasota. We provide pediatric to geriatric foot and ankle care: ingrown toenails, heel pain, bunions, foot & ankle arthritis, plantar fasciitis, foot & ankle surgery, custom orthotics, and diabetic wound care — with in-office X-rays, diagnostic ultrasound, and minor surgical suites. Home of the Lam Minimally Invasive No-Scar Bunion Surgery. Same-day appointments and easy online scheduling.
