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NEWSLETTERS
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FOOTPRINTS
NEWSLETTER - Winter 2009
BELTLINE NEWSLETTER
CORRECT
FLAT FEET BEFORE ADOLESCENCE
Often left untreated, flat feet
in children can lead to serious foot conditions later in life,
however, surgery performed before adolescence is very
successful in permanently correcting the deformity and also
achieves high levels of patient satisfaction.
Flat feet are difficult to distinguish in young children until
the arch develops between ages six and nine and some
eventually outgrow the condition. Those who don’t frequently
complain of calf pain, cramping or fatigue, and parents notice
collapsed arches and ankles that turn inward. Left untreated,
childhood flatfoot can lead to arthritis and other foot
problems as adults. There are several treatment options,
including shoe modifications, orthotics inserts, physical
therapy, stretching exercises, anti-inflammatory medications
and surgery.
Parents should schedule an evaluation if their children
persistently complain about leg cramps and pain in the calf,
foot or arch, or if they are concerned about flat feet. It
shouldn’t hurt to grow, so if your child has pain, treatment
should be initiated. Flat feet should be corrected before
adolescence to restore normal walking and prevent arthritis
and other future complications. Surgical and non-surgical
techniques have proven to be very successful in achieving the
desired correction in pediatric patients.
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