Foot Consultant - Flat Feet (Children)

Flat Feet (Children)

About the Condition

The term “flat foot” is not in itself a clinical diagnosis. Many patients have naturally flat feet which are not a problem and do not require treatment.
However some people with flat feet do have pain or problems which can develop as a result of flat feet.
In simple terms then there are two main types of flat feet:
• Normal flat feet
• Flexible (Pathological) Flat Foot
• Rigid flat foot

Normal Flat Foot
A foot in which the bones are all properly lined up when the person is standing and sitting but who has a very low arch can be said to have “normal flat foot”.

Flexible Flat Foot
Someone with a foot which when supporting the body weight collapses down resulting in loss of the arch completely but which can form an arch when sat down or standing on tip-toe can be considered to have a flexible flat foot.

Here are some links relevant to the treatment of flat feet:

• http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/7837843/Are-you-standing-comfortably.html
• http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1240126/Im-hoping-daughter-pioneering-surgery-cure-flat-feet--just-like-me.html

Rigid Flat Foot
A rigid flat foot is much less common than the flexible flat foot and does not re-form an arch when standing on tip toe.

Causes of Flat Feet (Children)

A flexible flat foot has many potential causes which can include:

• Excessive laxity of joints
• Excessive weight
• Damaged tendons / ligaments
• Mal-alignment of the bones of the leg / foot

Making the Diagnosis

The left foot in this picture shows classic features of a flat foot with loss of the inside arch of the foot and twisting of the heel in relation to the leg. Notice how the right foot which has been corrected surgically. Notice how the heel on the right foot is much straighter. Although the foot is an incredibly complicated structure, your consultant Podiatric Surgeon will be able to fully explain your foot type after thorough examination. This will involve you being examined sitting, standing and walking. Sometimes an x-ray is required.