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Curious about your child’s feet?

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I am passionate about pediatric foot care because I am a true believer that if simple foot and biomechanical issues are addressed early on in life, then the chances of having major foot issues as an adult are MUCH lower.  I recently had a baby, and there is nothing sweeter than those chubby baby feet but keeping them healthy is also of utmost importance.  With all the different shoe types out there and the many different activities that our kids get into these days, it is hard to truly know what is best and when to really notice a problem with their ever-growing feet. With that said, it is important to know that a kid’s arch does not really form until about age 3 and the foot appears flat due to a thick layer of baby fat that fills the arch area, if the foot is flexible and free of pain, there is no reason for concern.

It is not uncommon for parents to be concerned about their child’s “flat feet”.  Children possess an apparent flat foot during the first year of life. Some will outgrow this, but some will not.  When a child’s arch is flat, coupled with inward bowing of the ankles and Achilles tendon, they may have a true flexible flatfoot.  The most important thing to note is that it is never normal for child to com

plain of foot pain and their complaints should not be taken lightly, “growing pains” are not normal!

FIVE SIGNS YOUR CHILD MAY HAVE A FOOT PROBLEM:

 

  1. Can’t keep up with peers
  2. Withdraws from activities thy usually enjoy
  3. Trips often and falls
  4. Does not want to show his/her feet
  5. Complains of pain-IT IS NEVER NORMAL FOR A CHILD TO HAVE FOOT PAIN

Toe walking is normal for the first 2-3 months of walking, if this continues, they should be examined for tight heel cords.

What can be done???

There are many things that can be done to manage a developmental flat foot.  Your podiatrist can help diagnose, condition and recommend proper treatment.  Intervention may include balance and coordination exercises, in addition to littleSTEPS foot orthotics for kids.

What are littleSTEPS?

They are prefabricated foot orthotics, an affordable alternative to expensive custom foot orthoses while delivering a prescription-based correction.  They improve pain, posture, strength, coordination, balance, and flat feet.

For more information and to have your children’s feet evaluated, please contact our office at 469-998-3668 for a consultation with Dr. Khavari!

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