Flatfoot

Flatfoot, also called fallen arches or Pes planus, is a deformity in children’s feet where the arch that runs lengthwise 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.

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

What are the causes of flatfoot?

Pediatric flat foot is a common condition that can run in families. It is often caused by loose connections between joints and excess baby fat deposits between foot bones, which make the entire foot touch the floor when the child stands up. A rare condition called tarsal coalition can also cause flatfoot. In this condition, two or more bones of the foot abnormally join together 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 difficultly with walking/running
• Discomfort with 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 the child in standing and sitting positions. If an arch forms when the child stands on his toes, then the flatfoot is flexible and no further tests or treatments are necessary. If pain is associated with the condition, or if the arch does not form on standing on toes, then X-rays are ordered to assess the severity of the deformity. A computed tomography (CT) scan is performed, if tarsal coalition is suspected and if tendon injury is presumed, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is recommended.

What are the treatment options?

If your child does not exhibit any symptoms, your doctor may monitor your child’s condition 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 to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Shoe modification: Using 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, then 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.