Though nearly all babies are born with flat feet, about 20% of children do not develop arches in their feet as they get older.

In some cases, this corrects itself by the age of 9 or 10.

But if flat feet persist in older children, professional flat feet treatment will likely be required in order to prevent severe pain when walking and potential disability.

Flat feet can be caused by inherited disorders, juvenile arthritis, disorders in the connective tissue, childhood obesity, or damage within the ligaments and muscles.

Even knock knees, abnormal anatomy, and fusions within foot bones can cause flat feet.

Read on to learn more about why flat feet treatment is so important, and where you can go in Clifton, New Jersey to get the level of personalized care and attention that every child deserves.

Potential Effects of Flat Feet in Children

If your child frequently complains of pain in the foot and heel — especially after exercising — they may have flat feet. The same thing goes if you notice swelling in the ankle or even calluses on your child’s foot.

So, why is it so important to get treatment for flat feet — aside from, of course, the fact that your child is in pain?

Your child’s feet and arches directly impact their overall alignment. If left untreated they could be more likely to have trouble walking and participating in sports, develop ingrown toenails, have poor posture, and much more.

You especially need to see a professional for flat feet treatment because children’s feet heal in much different ways than those of adults. You need to be certain that treatment and aftercare won’t affect your child’s growth.

An NJ foot and ankle specialist will be able to diagnose flat feet using x-rays, EOS imaging, and, in more extreme cases, a CT scan or MRI. In most cases, however, the diagnostic process is relatively simple.

What to Expect from Flat Feet Treatment

The specific type of flat feet treatment your child will need depends on the severity of pain and even the form of flat feet they’ve been diagnosed with.

In some cases, flat feet are caused by tightness within the Achilles tendon that can make it tough for children to get a full range of motion from their feet.

In this case, the child will need to do specific exercises, stretching, and try other mild forms of physical therapy that will lengthen the heel cord of the Achilles tendon.

They may also have a form of flat feet that requires them to wear specific supportive shoes and arch supports, or even lose weight in order to take some stress off of the child’s feet.

If your child’s flat feet are caused by something like a torn tendon, fusion of bones, and even extra bones or other anatomical problems, surgery may be required.

The top foot and ankle specialist in NJ can help you come up with the best possible treatment plan for your child.

Ready to See the Best Podiatrist in NJ?

You need to schedule flat feet treatment for your child in order to help make sure they’re comfortable, eliminate pain, and to ensure that they have proper alignment as they age.

We can help.

Reach out to Premier Podiatry to schedule an appointment, and learn more about the variety of podiatry issues we treat.