What is Pediatric Flatfoot?

Flatfoot is common in both children and adults. When this deformity occurs in children, it is referred to as pediatric flatfoot. Although there are various forms of flatfoot, they all share one characteristic - partial or total collapse of the arch.

Pediatric flatfoot can be classified as symptomatic or asymptomatic. Symptomatic flatfeet exhibit symptoms, such as pain and limitation of activity, while asymptomatic flatfeet show no symptoms. These classifications can assist your podiatrist in determining an appropriate treatment plan.

Symptoms

Flatfoot can be apparent at birth, or it may not show up until years later. Most children with flatfoot have no symptoms, but some may have one or several symptoms. Some symptoms that a child may have, or experience is pain, tenderness, and/or cramping in the foot, leg or knee. They may also complain of hip and/or back pain. You may also notice a decrease in energy in wanting to participate in any physical activities or even total withdrawal from any activity.

Another symptom is outward tilting of the heel resulting in awkwardness or a change in a child’s walk.

Diagnosis

In diagnosing flatfoot, the foot specialist will examine the foot to evaluate the range of motion of the foot and ankle, and observe how it looks when the child stands, walks and runs. The specialist will evaluate the shoes for wear patterns. That’s why it is best they go to see the podiatrist in the shoes they wear the most day-to-day. Because flatfoot can cause problems in the leg, knee, hip, and back the doctor may also examine those areas.

X-rays are often taken to determine the deformity’s severity. Sometimes additional imaging and other tests are ordered.