Toddler Flat Feet - Symptoms, Causes, And Care Guide

 

Flat feet in children are extremely common. Most children, when they are born to till they turn 6, have flat feet. Flat feet refer to the condition when a child fails to develop the arch in their feet and when they stand, their entire feet touch the ground. It has been mentioned in various statistics that around 95% of the children outgrow this condition when they turn 6, but around 5% have fallen arches and continue to have flat feet. Even those with flat feet, only a very small number of children will ever have a problem.

There are several reasons and causes of flat feet. According to professional flat feet in children doctor Ohio, children with either tight Achilles tendon, rigid foot, or overweight can cause their arch to fail to develop. The flat feet in children doctor in Ohio further says that since the children have daily very flexible and soft bones and joints so when the entire pressure and weight of the body are fallen on the feet, it makes the entire sole of the child's foot comes in contact with the ground which causes flat feet.

When it comes to toddlers, the arches in their feet are not fully developed, but if your child suffers from any pain and discomfort in walking or standing, this is when it becomes important to visit a professional flat foot children's doctor in Ohio. If you see that your child is having a problem or experiencing pain in their feet, it is vital that you do not attempt to treat the condition at home but visit the flat feet in children doctor Ohio.

Common Symptoms of Toddlers' Flat Feet

Most of the time, the children do not experience any pain or any other symptom except the change in the appearance of the feet. This is when the flat feet in children are asymptomatic. But if your children are symptomatic, they will display the following symptoms:

• Outward feet from the heel
• Awkwardness in walking
• Difficulty or pain in walking or standing up
• Tenderness in foot and even knee
• Experiencing pain while putting on shoes
• Your child will start avoiding physical activities

If your child experiences or displays any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with the best flat feet in children doctor Ohio.

Causes of Baby Flat Feet

As mentioned above, the prime cause of flat feet in children or toddlers is due to the fact that their joints, muscles, and bones are so flexible and fragile that when the child stands up, the entire sole of their feet touches the ground. Over time, when their muscles strengthen and their tissues become stiffer and less flexible, the arch would develop, and the feet' shape will also correct itself. Other causes are being overweight, foot and ankle injuries, or arthritis.

If the flat feet are persisted and have not outgrown, it can create some serious issues which will gradually become worse, especially when they start engaging in vigorous activities such as walking and running.

Care Guide

If the flat feet children's doctor in Ohio has diagnosed your child with flat feet and your child is experiencing no pain or other symptoms mentioned above, then they are good to go. Either they will outgrow it by the time they turn six, and even if the flat feet persist, it's highly unlikely that they will experience any pain or discomfort.

However, if your child is experiencing dull, sharp, sudden pain, there are different treatments one can opt for. Such as:

• Medication: by the help of prescribed medications, the pain and discomfort your child is experiencing can be lowered.
  
  
• Modify activity levels: physical activities and therapies such as stretching exercises can help a lot with the pain. However, one thing to ensure is that these activities are not for prolonged periods of hours.
  
  
• Orthotics: the world of orthotics is gaining momentum. Thus, if your child is suffering from flat feet, the flat feet in children doctor Ohio can help and provide custom orthotics that can be placed inside the shoe, and it will help to improve the structure and daily life functioning.
  
  
• Proper footwear: tight or discomforting footwear can also significantly increase the pain. Take advice from the flat feet in children's doctor Ohio and get a proper custom-made shoe for the child.