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Physiotherapy for Flat Feet in Children

The document provides information about flat feet in children. It defines flat feet as a low or flat arch on the inside of the foot. It notes that all children have flat feet before age 3 as the arch does not develop until later. Flat feet are generally caused by longer ligaments in the feet that cause the arch to fall when standing. Most children with flat feet do not require treatment, but those experiencing foot, ankle, or knee pain may be referred to a specialist and possibly receive insoles to support the arches. The document stresses that children with flat feet can participate in normal activities and wearing particular shoes or doing exercises will not affect the condition.

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235 views2 pages

Physiotherapy for Flat Feet in Children

The document provides information about flat feet in children. It defines flat feet as a low or flat arch on the inside of the foot. It notes that all children have flat feet before age 3 as the arch does not develop until later. Flat feet are generally caused by longer ligaments in the feet that cause the arch to fall when standing. Most children with flat feet do not require treatment, but those experiencing foot, ankle, or knee pain may be referred to a specialist and possibly receive insoles to support the arches. The document stresses that children with flat feet can participate in normal activities and wearing particular shoes or doing exercises will not affect the condition.

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Engineer ZAKARIA
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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A Guide to Flat Feet

Children’s Physiotherapy Service

__________________________________________________________________

What are flat feet?


The term “flat feet” describes the shape of the arch on
the inside of your foot. If you have flat feet it means
the arch on the inside of your foot looks low or flat on
the floor. The arch shape can look like these pictures
on the right

Before the age of three, all children have flat feet, as


the arch on the inside of the foot does not begin to
develop until later. Even in older children flat feet do
not usually cause any problems.

You might also hear people in the hospital call flat feet
“pes planus”, “pes valgus”, fallen “arches” or
“pronated feet”. These words all mean “flat feet”.

What causes flat feet?


In young children, feet look flat due to the fatty
padding in the arch of the foot.

Flat feet are generally caused by slightly longer


ligaments in your feet. This causes the arch to fall
when you stand up which is why flat feet are
sometimes called “fallen arches”. Your foot arches
may be there when you sit, but disappear when you stand up.

Will I need treatment?


If you do not have any problems with your feet then do not worry, as
you do not need any treatment. However, if you have foot, ankle or
knee pain or poor balance, then your GP can have a look and refer to
someone who may be able to help. This may be a Podiatrist,
Physiotherapist or Orthotist.
ABHB/PIU801/2 – November 2011 Page 1
Expiry Date: November 2014
What kind of treatment is there?
If you are having trouble with your feet, you may be
given an insole to help support your arches. This can
help with your balance, or any pain you have had.
You may have to wear the insoles for a few years, or
sometimes permanently, if the problem does not go
away by itself.

Will anything make it worse?


No, you can do all of the things you like to do. People
who have studied flat feet found that wearing particular
shoes, running, jumping or doing foot exercises will not
help.

If you have flat feet, don’t worry; it’s not abnormal! Some people are
tall, some are short and some have flat feet and some have high arches.

References:

Mosca VS. Flexible flatfoot in children and adolescents. J Child Orthop. April 2010 V.4(2)

Sullivan JA. Pediatric flatfoot-evaluation and management. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 1

ABHB/PIU801/2 – November 2011 Page 2


Expiry Date: November 2014

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