When it comes to choosing the right shoes for your child with flat feet, there are few things to keep in mind in order to get the right fit, support, and comfort. But again, check with your child’s podiatrist first before adding insoles to your child’s shoes. Many children and adults have some level of overpronation, but those with flat feet tend to have an excessive amount of overpronation which can lead to foot, ankle, knee, or even back pain.Īddressing flat feet with orthotic inserts and/or shoes with sufficient arch support will prevent your child’s feet from overpronating. Overpronation is when the ankle of a person rolls inward when walking or running. But what is overpronation? And what does it mean when it comes to flat feet? Especially from strenuous, high-impact activities such as running and jumping.Ĭhildren with flat feet will overpronate when they walk or run. (For flat feet that are caused by obesity.) Stretching and strengthening exercises for the feet.Using orthotic inserts for additional arch support.That means avoiding footwear such as flip-flops and sandals.
Choosing shoes that provide arch support.Some treatment options for pain caused by flat feet include: Some symptoms can be heel or arch pain, ankle swelling, muscle fatigue, or pain that increases when they are performing physical activity. However, if your child has flat feet and is complaining about foot or ankle pain or fatigue, it may be time to consider a treatment option. Like we mentioned before, if your child isn’t experiencing any pain, no treatment is necessary to address flat feet. If you are still aren’t sure, a podiatrist can perform a gait analysis to see if your child does have flat feet.
#Arch support shoes kids how to
If there is no clear curve from the heel to the ball of the foot, your child may have low arches or flat feet.įor a demonstration on how to perform the Wet Test, check out this video: When they remove their foot examine their footprint. Then have them quickly step firmly on the piece of cardboard. You will need a piece of cardboard bigger than your child’s foot and a dish of water (or bathtub) that your child can dip the bottom of their foot in.įirst, have your child dip their foot in the water. If you are trying to figure out whether or not your child has flat feet, there is a simple experiment you and your child can perform to see if he/she does have flat feet. But if your child does have flat feet and is over the age of 6, it’s a good idea to go visit their doctor or a podiatrist, especially if pain is a factor. No special treatment is necessary for flat feet that aren’t bothersome. However, some people will continue to have flat feet. This process will begin at the age of 3 and your child’s feet arches will be fully developed by the age of 6. If you look at babies’ and toddlers’ feet you’ll see that they lack an arch and that their feet are exceptionally soft.įor most people, an arch will form during childhood, doing away with the soft, flat, squishy feet and building stronger foot bones and arches.
Technically speaking, we are all born with flat feet (though it ideally shouldn’t last throughout our entire lives). If a child is unhealthily overweight, the more weight they put on their frame, the more pressure is placed on their feet, resulting in the arch physically flattening and altering shape. As a matter of fact, 1 in every 5 children will have flat feet throughout the remainder of their lives!Īnother cause of flat feet is obesity. If you have flat feet, your child may have it, too.). Genetics can play a major factor in whether or not a child will have flat feet.
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