How to Detect Flat Feet in Children and Adults?

During the growth of children, different changes occur, not only in their personality but also in their physical appearance. But, it is often difficult to determine which changes are normal and which require a little more attention.

Flat feet is a very common condition in both children and adults, which occurs when a person has the inner arch of their foot flattened, when it should be arched.

Some signs that a child has flat feet are:

• Severe foot pain after walking long distances
• Pain that extends to the ankles and knees
• Clumsiness when walking, stumbling is common in people with flat feet
• Limitation to do physical activities
• Swelling on the inside of the ankle

It is important to remember that flat feet is a normal condition in children up to approximately 7-8 years of age. This means that prior to this age it couldn’t be diagnosed with certainty if there is flat foot or not. ‍As this condition is produced by the elasticity of the ligaments, it is not easy to visualize during the first years of life since the bones, muscles and tendons are being formed and at first glance it is not possible to ensure a physical condition if there is still no development ” complete”. Fortunately, there are a series of exercises that allow you to have an idea of ​​the shape of the foot, such as the Heel Rise Test and the Jack Test, but if you notice any irregularity or unusual symptom, you should see a professional who can assess the child and thus know what happens.

Medical recommendations from a professional should be followed to avoid other symptoms such as fatigue or foot deformity, but it can usually be treated with formulated insoles and therapy that allow greater comfort when walking and playing sports with flat feet. The most important thing is to ensure a good quality of life.

To make an accurate diagnosis of flat feet, as well as to check if it has affected anything else in the patient’s orthopedic health, the ideal is to go to a medical consultation with a specialist.

Dr. Leon Mead is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon that has been practicing in Naples, Florida for more than 20 years who is at your disposal to detect this or any other problem in your bones and muscles. Get in touch by any of the means provided to schedule an appointment, you will be gladly assisted.

Orthopedic Corner | Leon Mead MD Orthopedic Doctor | 730 Goodlette Road North, Suite 201  Naples Florida 34102 | Phone: (239) 262-1119