What is Flatfoot?

Flatfoot, also known as “fallen arches” or Pes planus, is a deformity in children’s feet where the arch that runs along the sole of the foot collapses to the ground or is not formed at all. Flatfoot is normal in the first few years of life as the arch of the foot usually develops between the age of 3 and 5 years.

What are the Types of Flatfoot?

Flatfoot can be rigid or flexible. Flexible flatfoot usually resolves without any treatment needed unless pain is involved. Rigid flatfoot, however, can cause joint pain in the leg when walking or aching pain in the feet and usually requires intervention.

What are the Causes and Risk Factors for Flatfoot?

Pediatric flatfoot is a common condition that can run in families. It is often caused by loose connections between the joints and excess baby fat deposits between the foot bones which make the entire foot touch the floor when your child stands up. A rare condition called tarsal coalition can also cause flatfoot. In this condition, two or more bones of the foot join abnormally causing stiff and painful flat feet.

What are the Symptoms of Flatfoot?

Children with flatfoot deformity may have one or more of the following signs and symptoms:

• Inside arch of the foot is flattened
• Heel bone may be turned outward
• Inner aspect of the foot may appear bowed out
• Pain in the foot, leg, knee, hip or lower back
• Pain in the heels, causing difficulty with walking/running
• Discomfort while wearing shoes
• Inability to bear weight on the affected foot
• Tired, achy feet with prolonged standing or walking

How is Flatfoot Diagnosed?

Your doctor will perform a physical examination of your child’s foot and observe your child in standing and sitting positions. If an arch forms when your child stands on his toes, the flatfoot is flexible and no further tests or treatment are necessary. If pain is associated with the condition or if the arch does not form on standing on the toes, then X-rays are ordered to assess the severity of the deformity. A computed tomography (CT) scan is ordered if tarsal coalition is suspected. If tendon injury is presumed, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is recommended.

What are the Treatment Options for Flatfoot?

If your child does not exhibit any symptoms, your doctor may monitor your child’s condition as he/she grows to assess for any changes. If, however, your child has symptoms, your doctor may suggest some of the following non-surgical treatments:

• Activity modification: Avoid participating in activities that cause pain such as walking or standing for long periods of time.
• Orthotic devices: Your surgeon may advise the use of custom-made orthotic devices that are worn inside the shoes to support the arch of the foot.
• Physical therapy: Stretching exercises of the heel can provide pain relief.
• Medications: Pain-relieving medications such as NSAIDs can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Shoe modification: Wearing a well-fitting, supportive shoe can help relieve aching pain caused by flatfoot.

Surgery is rarely needed to treat pediatric flatfoot; however, if conservative treatment options fail to relieve your child’s symptoms, surgery may be necessary to resolve the problem. Depending on your child’s condition, various procedures may be performed including tendon transfers, tendon lengthening, joint fusion, and implant insertion.