How to Fix Flat Feet in Kids: Expert Tips from Dr. Roshan Jha
Have you noticed your child’s feet look flat at the pool or beach? Don’t worry, flat feet in kids are common! Many parents wonder, “Why does my child have flat feet?” or “Will they outgrow it?” Dr. Roshan Jha, an expert in children’s foot health, has helped thousands of families. In this blog, he shares simple tips to understand flat feet and what you can do to help your child.
Understanding Flat Feet in Kids: What Parents Should Know
Flat feet, or when the bottom of a child’s foot touches the ground completely, are normal in babies and young kids. This happens because their feet have soft padding and their arches are still forming.
Dr. says, “Most kids develop arches by age 6. But about 1 in 6 kids still have flat feet after that. If it doesn’t cause pain or trouble walking, it’s usually fine. If it does, we can help!”
Types of Flat Feet in Children
- Flexible Flat Feet: The most common type. Arches show up when your child sits or stands on tiptoes but disappear when standing.
- Rigid Flat Feet: Arches don’t appear at all, even when not standing, and may cause discomfort.
- Vertical Talus: A rare condition where a foot bone is in the wrong place, causing flatness.
Why Do Kids Develop Flat Feet?
Knowing why your child has flat feet can help you decide what to do. Here are the main reasons:
Family History: If you or your partner have flat feet, your child might too.
Slow Growth: Some kids’ arches take longer to form or don’t fully develop.
Tight Achilles Tendon: A short tendon in the heel can make feet stay flat.
Health Conditions: Issues like cerebral palsy or muscle disorders can affect foot shape.
Extra Weight: Being overweight can put pressure on feet and flatten arches.
Wrong Shoes: Shoes without support can affect how arches grow.
Common Symptoms: When to Watch More Closely
Many kids with flat feet feel fine, but some have signs that need attention. Look out for:
- Pain in the feet, ankles, or legs.
- Walking oddly or tripping often.
- Shoes wearing out unevenly.
- Not wanting to play or run like before.
- Tired feet after short activities.
- Trouble finding comfy shoes.
Concerned about your child’s feet?
Dr. Roshan Jha offers gentle check-ups for kids through our physiotherapy services. Call +91-880-029-9652 to schedule a consultation.
When to Worry About Flat Feet?
Parents often ask, “Should I be worried about my child’s flat feet?” Dr. Roshan Jha explains it depends on age and symptoms.
- Age Matters: Flat feet are normal in kids under 3. Arches usually form by age 5. If your child is over 5 and still has flat feet with pain, get them checked.
- Pain is Key: If flat feet don’t hurt and your child is active, they may not need treatment. But pain, odd walking, or avoiding play means it’s time to see a specialist.
Important: If your child has foot pain or avoids activities, contact a professional like Dr. Roshan Kumar Jha right away.
How Flat Feet Are Diagnosed
Physiotherapist uses simple methods to check for flat feet at Pain-Free Physiotherapy & Chiropractic Clinic:
- Looking at Feet: Checking feet while standing and sitting.
- Watching Walking: Seeing how your child moves to spot issues.
- Movement Tests: Testing how flexible the foot and ankle are.
- Footprint Check: Looking at the shape of your child’s footprint.
Sometimes, X-rays or other scans are needed to understand the foot better.
In some cases, imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs may be recommended to get a clearer picture of the foot structure and rule out other conditions.
Can Flat Feet Be Corrected in Kids? Treatment Options
The good news is that many cases of flat feet in children can be effectively managed or corrected with the right approach. Physiotherapist emphasizes that treatment should be tailored to each child’s specific needs, considering factors like age, severity, and whether the condition causes pain or functional limitations.
Non-Surgical Approaches
- Custom orthotics – Specially designed shoe inserts that provide arch support
- Supportive footwear – Shoes with good arch support and firm heel counters
- Physical therapy – Exercises to strengthen foot muscles and improve flexibility
- Activity modifications – Temporary adjustments to reduce strain on feet
Stretching Exercises
Recommends these simple exercises that can be done at home:
- Toe Curls: Pick up marbles or scrunch a towel with toes.
- Heel Stretches: Gently stretch the back of the heel.
- Arch Raises: Lift the arch while keeping toes on the floor.
- Balance Practice: Stand on one foot to build strength.
When Surgery Might Be Needed
“Surgery is rarely needed for pediatric flat feet,” explains Dr. “It’s typically only considered when:
- Other treatments don’t stop pain.
- Flat feet make activities hard.
- There’s a serious foot shape problem.
- The feet are stiff and cause issues.
Surgical options may include tendon transfers, bone fusion, or implant insertion, depending on the specific cause.
Expert Treatment for Your Child’s Flat Feet
Dr. Roshan Jha specializes in non-invasive, child-friendly approaches to treating flat feet. Our pain-free physiotherapy & chiropractor clinic offers comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plans.
Preventative Measures and Home Care
While some cases of flat feet are unavoidable due to genetic factors, there are steps parents can take to support healthy foot development and prevent complications:
- Pick shoes with good arch support and strong heels.
- Avoid flat shoes like flip-flops for long periods.
- Make sure shoes fit well, not too tight or loose.
- Replace shoes as your child grows.
Daily Habits
- Let kids play barefoot on safe surfaces like grass or sand.
- Keep a healthy weight to ease pressure on feet.
- Add foot-strengthening games to playtime.
- Watch for signs of foot pain or walking changes.
Dr. Roshan Jha’s Approach to Pediatric Flat Feet
With over 15 years of experience in treating pediatric foot conditions, Dr. Roshan Kumar Jha has developed a comprehensive approach that focuses on minimally invasive treatments and long-term foot health.
“My philosophy is simple: treat only what needs treating. Many children with flat feet require no intervention at all. For those who do need help, I focus on gentle, non-invasive approaches that work with the child’s natural development. The goal is always pain-free movement and long-term foot health.”
– Dr. Roshan Jha
Frequently Asked Questions About Flat Feet in Kids
Do all children outgrow flat feet?
No, not all children outgrow flat feet. While most develop arches by age 6, approximately 15% of children will continue to have flat feet into adulthood. However, many cases of persistent flat feet cause no pain or functional problems and require no treatment.
Can flat feet be completely corrected?
The degree of correction depends on several factors, including the type of flat feet, age of the child, and underlying causes. Flexible flat feet often respond well to non-surgical interventions like orthotics and exercises. Complete structural correction may not always be possible or necessary if the condition isn’t causing pain or functional limitations.
Will my child be able to play sports with flat feet?
Most children with flat feet can participate fully in sports and physical activities without limitations. If your child experiences pain during activities, supportive footwear or custom orthotics may help. In rare cases where flat feet cause significant pain or functional problems, specific activity modifications might be recommended temporarily during treatment.
Are over-the-counter arch supports helpful?
Over-the-counter arch supports may provide relief for mild cases of symptomatic flat feet. However, they’re not custom-fitted to your child’s specific foot structure. For children with pain or significant flat feet, custom orthotics prescribed by a specialist like Dr. Jha are typically more effective as they’re designed to address your child’s unique needs.
Understanding flat feet in kids is the first step toward ensuring your child’s long-term foot health and mobility. While many children with flat feet require no intervention, knowing when to seek professional advice is crucial for those who might benefit from treatment.
At our pain-free physiotherapy & chiropractor clinic, Dr. Roshan Jha provides expert evaluation and personalized treatment plans designed specifically for children’s unique needs. From custom orthotics to specialized exercises, we offer gentle, effective solutions that work with your child’s natural development.
Ready to help your child step confidently?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Roshan Jha today. Our child-friendly approach ensures a comfortable experience from the moment you walk through our doors.
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