How common are flat feet?
Flexible flat feet are quite common in children and are often asymptomatic. However, some children may present with complaints of inward pressure, fatigue, knee and toe deformities and foot pain. These symptoms become more visible especially in the summer months when children move more and walk barefoot.
What do we look for in diagnosis?
- Heel position during standing posture
- Collapse of the arch of the foot
- Walking style
- Standing step analysis
- Gait analysis
- Length radiographs and CT and MRI in cases of suspected genetic disorders
In flexible flat feet, the arch of the foot becomes prominent when the child stands on tiptoe. However, in structural (rigid) flat feet, this arch does not form at all and the pain is more severe.
Treatment Methods
- In symptom-free flexible flat feet, only monitoring is sufficient
- Customized insoles are recommended in case of foot pain
- If there is concomitant excessive inward pressure or heel deviation, it is supported with special orthoses and exercises
- Surgery may be planned for rigid deformities or severe cases
Choosing the right shoes, balanced weight control and regular check-ups by an orthopedic physician are the most important parts of this process.
