If your child has flat feet, your podiatrist can help. Dr. Larry Goldstein at Warner Robins Foot and Ankle in Warner Robins, GA, offers comprehensive podiatry services, including diagnosis and treatment of flat feet in children.

What You Need To Know About Flat Feet in Children

If your child has flat feet, the entire sole, including the arch, is contacting the ground when your child stands, walks, or runs. Flat feet can be caused by the incomplete or late development of the arch.

Flat feet often resolve by the time your child is six years old, so your child may not need treatment. However, you should seek out the expertise of a podiatrist if you are unsure of what to do, or if:

• Your child is experiencing foot pain
• Your child’s foot pain increases with activity
• You notice swelling on the side of your child’s ankles

Your podiatrist will perform a comprehensive examination of your child’s feet, which may include imaging studies. Treatment for flat feet often begins with orthotics, which provide support for your child’s feet as they grow. Orthotics can also help prevent foot pain by cushioning your child’s feet. Orthotics are typically custom-made from a variety of materials. Your podiatrist will determine the best combination of materials for your child’s feet.

In rare cases, surgical therapy may be indicated. The goals of surgery are to reduce pain, reinforce or reconstruct the arch, and provide additional support for your child’s feet while they grow. Your podiatrist may recommend:

• Fusing joints
• Reconstructing ligaments
• Repairing and transferring tendons

Want To Know More About Flat Feet in Children?

To learn more about flat feet in children and how your podiatrist can help, call Dr. Goldstein at Warner Robins Foot and Ankle in Warner Robins, GA. You can reach him in the office by calling (478) 328-2008, so call today.