Flatfoot in children: shape, pain and care decisions
An illustrated guide to what matters in childhood flatfoot: flexibility, pain, activity and individual care decisions.
There is more to assess than the arch
A low arch can be a normal variation. The examination considers flexibility, pain and the child's activities alongside foot shape: appearance alone does not establish a need for treatment.
Pain changes the assessment
If the foot is painful, stiff or limits play, ask for an assessment. Explain where the pain occurs and which activities bring it on, without automatically attributing it to flatfoot.
An individual care decision
Insoles and exercises are not automatic prescriptions. Symptom-free flexible flatfoot usually needs no treatment. If symptoms are present, examination guides the options and their purpose.
Illustrations and general information for families. They do not replace an individual medical assessment or instructions from the treating team.
Dr Daniele Priano — Paediatric orthopaedics
Read the complete condition information →
Sources
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