Learn About Flexible Flatfoot Among Children
The first five years are very important for your child. During this period, the child undergoes both cognitive and physiological development that will affect their body for the rest of their life. The feet also develop during this period. Normally, the lower side of the foot should develop with one anterior traverse and two longitudinal arches.
The arches emerge as slight curves on the sole. They give a spring-like effect to the feet, enabling them to absorb and handle the body's weight more effectively. Flexible flatfoot is a medical condition that can interfere with the development of the arches. Here is a thorough look at flexible flatfoot to give you more insight.
How Does Flexible Flatfoot Manifest Itself?
You might not be able to notice flexible flatfoot until your child starts using his or her feet actively. Ideally, you need to start monitoring your child immediately they start attempting to stand or walk. This will give you a clear picture of the developing arches as the child grows every day. When the child stands, examine the inner side of the foot for an inward curve. An abnormally small or absent arch (curve) is an indication of underdeveloped ligaments, supporting tendons and bones.
What Should You Do When You Notice Signs of Flexible Flatfoot?
If your child's arches are missing or underdeveloped, touch the area gently to detect strange lumps. Generally, the condition can attack the feet in two ways. The first one is a painless experience with no permanent damage to the child's feet in the future. Most children outgrow this type of flexible flatfoot and develop normal feet. On the other hand, the condition may attack aggressively and threaten to deform the child's feet. This type of flexible flatfoot causes pain whenever your child attempts to stand or walk. Look out for general reluctance to stand or walk and seek the help of a podiatrist as soon as possible.
What Should You Expect When Visit the Podiatrist?
The podiatrist will examine your child's feet for other types of flatfoot conditions. Tests on the Achilles heel cord and the bottom of the foot will be adequate to make an accurate diagnosis. Thereafter, the podiatrist will recommend a few things to help your child during rehabilitation. Some of the alternatives include:
- Stretching the heel cord - during this exercise, your child stands straight with one leg in front of the other. He or she should apply pressure to the rear leg gradually to stretch the heel.
- Shoe inserts - the inserts shape the feet accordingly and reduce pain.
- Casting and physiotherapy sessions by a professional.