Flatfoot is common condition defined by the partial or total collapse of the arch. When a child has pediatric flatfoot, the arch of the foot shrinks or disappears when he or she stands.

In addition, parents may notice awkwardness or clumsiness in walking, difficulty with shoes, or shoes wearing out quickly. Pediatric flatfoot makes participating in physical activities more difficult, so parents should take note if their child avoids physical activities, doesn’t keep up with playmates, or easily tires.  This behavior also increases the child’s risk of reduced cardiovascular health and obesity in adulthood.

If the child does not outgrow pediatric flatfoot on their own by the age of five and experiences pain or discomfort, treatment should be considered.

Treatment Options

Chad D. Brady, DPM FACFAS is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon in Evanston who treats pediatric flatfoot. He may recommend hard or soft shoe inserts to support the arch. He may also create a custom orthotic to fit into your child’s shoe to support the arch. Stretching exercises or physical therapy may also be recommended. Your child’s flatfoot should be monitored and reevaluated periodically by the foot and ankle surgeon.

In some cases surgery is recommended to relieve pain and improve foot function. The surgical procedure or combination of procedures selected for your child will depend on his or her type of flatfoot and degree of deformity. “Surgery can be scary for any parent to consider for their child. But having healthy feet is vital to a child’s overall health. It sets them up for success by allowing them to be more physically active,” says Dr. Brady.