<p>What does the term ‘flat feet’ mean?<br /><br /></p>.<p>It is a condition where the foot does not have a normal arch. It may affect one foot or both. All babies have flat feet at birth because the arch is not formed yet. Arches usually form by the age of two or three. Sometimes, they may not form at all. Flat feet, even in older children, is usually not harmful. In rare cases, they became stiff and require medical attention. <br /><br />What causes flat feet? <br /><br />Flat feet are caused due to loose joint connections and the accumulation of baby fat between foot bones. These conditions make the arch fall when the infant stands up. This is why the condition is also called ‘fallen arches’. Those with a generalised laxity of ligaments suffer from flat feet.<br /><br />There are two types of flat feet. The most common type is the Flexible Flat Foot (FFF). The condition is evident when the affected person stands up — the arch disappears and the bottom of the foot appears flat. The arch reappears when the big toe is raised. This form of flat feet is painless. The other type, Rigid Flat Feet (RFF), is a more serious condition. If the foot is not flexible and hurts when stretched, one could be suffering from RFF.<br /><br />Can flat feet be due to some other medical problem?<br /><br />Yes. Flat feet can also be associated with medical conditions like cerebral palsy, poliomyelitis, congenital vertical talus, congenitally-fused joints in the foot (coalitions) and other syndromes. It is best to consult a paediatric orthopaedician for an expert opinion.<br />If your child complains of foot or ankle pain, take him/her to the doctor. Flat feet in older child may cause pain in the heel or arch, or may cause pain when the child is walking and running. <br /><br />Do children with flat feet need special shoes or inserts? <br /><br />No. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that special shoes or arch inserts will help in forming the arch. High-top, good sport shoes are enough for older children, especially during sports activities. If your child complains of pain in the foot, it is time to investigate the foot (X ray) and look for misalignment of bones. <br /><br />Will any particular activity make flat feet worse?<br /><br />No. You don’t need to limit your child’s activities. If the condition becomes painful, your doctor may recommend rest. Wearing shoes, walking barefoot, running, doing foot exercises or jumping will not make flat feet worse. <br /><br />Can surgery help?<br /><br />Surgery is not helpful for most persons with flat feet. If the condition has occurred due to fused foot bones and if there is misalignment of bones, then surgery may be considered. Your doctor can help you make that decision.<br /><br />Which surgery can correct the condition?<br /><br />Surgeries are only considered for rigid flat foot (RFF), where there is poor alignment of foot bones. The patient has to wear a cast for two months after the surgery. Fusion of the mid foot joints is not a popular practice anymore.</p>
<p>What does the term ‘flat feet’ mean?<br /><br /></p>.<p>It is a condition where the foot does not have a normal arch. It may affect one foot or both. All babies have flat feet at birth because the arch is not formed yet. Arches usually form by the age of two or three. Sometimes, they may not form at all. Flat feet, even in older children, is usually not harmful. In rare cases, they became stiff and require medical attention. <br /><br />What causes flat feet? <br /><br />Flat feet are caused due to loose joint connections and the accumulation of baby fat between foot bones. These conditions make the arch fall when the infant stands up. This is why the condition is also called ‘fallen arches’. Those with a generalised laxity of ligaments suffer from flat feet.<br /><br />There are two types of flat feet. The most common type is the Flexible Flat Foot (FFF). The condition is evident when the affected person stands up — the arch disappears and the bottom of the foot appears flat. The arch reappears when the big toe is raised. This form of flat feet is painless. The other type, Rigid Flat Feet (RFF), is a more serious condition. If the foot is not flexible and hurts when stretched, one could be suffering from RFF.<br /><br />Can flat feet be due to some other medical problem?<br /><br />Yes. Flat feet can also be associated with medical conditions like cerebral palsy, poliomyelitis, congenital vertical talus, congenitally-fused joints in the foot (coalitions) and other syndromes. It is best to consult a paediatric orthopaedician for an expert opinion.<br />If your child complains of foot or ankle pain, take him/her to the doctor. Flat feet in older child may cause pain in the heel or arch, or may cause pain when the child is walking and running. <br /><br />Do children with flat feet need special shoes or inserts? <br /><br />No. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that special shoes or arch inserts will help in forming the arch. High-top, good sport shoes are enough for older children, especially during sports activities. If your child complains of pain in the foot, it is time to investigate the foot (X ray) and look for misalignment of bones. <br /><br />Will any particular activity make flat feet worse?<br /><br />No. You don’t need to limit your child’s activities. If the condition becomes painful, your doctor may recommend rest. Wearing shoes, walking barefoot, running, doing foot exercises or jumping will not make flat feet worse. <br /><br />Can surgery help?<br /><br />Surgery is not helpful for most persons with flat feet. If the condition has occurred due to fused foot bones and if there is misalignment of bones, then surgery may be considered. Your doctor can help you make that decision.<br /><br />Which surgery can correct the condition?<br /><br />Surgeries are only considered for rigid flat foot (RFF), where there is poor alignment of foot bones. The patient has to wear a cast for two months after the surgery. Fusion of the mid foot joints is not a popular practice anymore.</p>
