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Pediatric Flatfoot

What Is Pediatric Flatfoot?Flatfoot is common in both children and adults. When this deformity occurs in children, it is referred to as “pediatric flatfoot.” Although there are various forms of flatfoot, they all share one characteristic – partial or total collapse of the arch.

Pediatric flatfoot can be classified as symptomatic or asymptomatic. Symptomatic flatfeet exhibit symptoms such as pain and limitation of activity, while asymptomatic flatfeet show no symptoms. These classifications can assist your foot and ankle surgeon in determining an appropriate treatment plan.

Symptoms
Flatfoot can be apparent at birth or it may not show up until years later. Most children with flatfoot have no symptoms, but some have one or more of the following symptoms:

• Pain, tenderness, or cramping in the foot, leg, and knee
• Outward tilting of the heel
• Awkwardness or changes in walking
• Difficulty with shoes
• Reduced energy when participating in physical activities
• Voluntary withdrawal from physical activities

Diagnosis
In diagnosing flatfoot, the foot and ankle surgeon examines the foot and observes how it looks when the child stands and sits. The surgeon also observes how the child walks and evaluates the range of motion of the foot. Because flatfoot is sometimes related to problems in the leg, the surgeon may also examine the knee and hip.

X-rays are often taken to determine the severity of the deformity. Sometimes additional imaging and other tests are ordered.

Information provided by The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons