Catch Flat-Footedness in Children Early

how%20to%20tell.pngWith back-to-school season approaching, back-to-school shopping becomes a necessity for many families. As parents consider shoes for their kids it is necessary to keep in mind how important foot health is for children, who are especially prone to developing flat feet. Flat feet is a condition characterized by an abnormal collapse of the arch while standing. There are several early signs parents can look for to catch the condition in their children: a flat foot arch at age 5 or older, heels that tend to angle outward with a bowing of the Achilles tendon when seen from the back, early leg fatigue or clumsiness during activity, or foot, knee, or ankle pain during or after activity or during the middle of the night. If parents are flat-footed, their children are more likely to have flat feet as well.

It’s important to determine whether or not your child is flat-footedas it may affect your child’s mobility as he or she ages. To learn more, speak to Dr. Andrew H. Cohen, D.P.M. of the Mid-Michigan Foot and Ankle Center. Dr. Cohen will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

What are Flat Feet?

Flat feet are a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. Standing about 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arch never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – if you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms:

Pain around the heel or arch area

Trouble standing on the tip toe.

Swelling around the inside of the ankle.

Flat look to one or both feet.

Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment:

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

For more information about Flat Feet, follow the link below.

If you have any questions feel free to contact one of our offices, located in Saginaw and Essexville, MI. We offer all the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet your needs.

Read more about Flat Feet

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