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:
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.
Non-surgical Treatment
If a child has no symptoms, treatment is often not required. Instead, the condition will be observed and re-evaluated periodically by the foot and ankle surgeon.
Custom orthotic devices may be considered for some cases of asymptomatic flatfoot.
When the child has symptoms, treatment is required. The foot and ankle surgeon may select one or more of the following non-surgical approaches:
When Is Surgery Needed?
In some cases, surgery is necessary to relieve the symptoms and improve foot function. The surgical procedure or combination of procedures selected for your child will depend on his or her type of flatfoot and degree of deformity.
Houston Office
Monday:
Closed
Tuesday:
9:00 am-5:00 pm
Wednesday:
Wednesday 2nd and 4th 1pm to 630 pm
Thursday:
Closed
Friday:
1:00 pm-5:00 pm
Saturday:
Saturday 2nd of month by app only 9am to 1 pm
Sunday:
Closed
Weimar Office
Monday:
Closed
Tuesday:
Closed
Wednesday:
Closed
Thursday:
1st and 3rd Thursdays 1pm to 430 pm
Friday:
Closed
Saturday:
Closed
Sunday:
Closed
Eagle Lake Office
Monday:
Closed
Tuesday:
Closed
Wednesday:
Closed
Thursday:
1st and 3rd Thursday 8am to 1130am
Friday:
Closed
Saturday:
Closed
Sunday:
Closed
Bellville Office
Monday:
Monday 2nd and 4th 1230 pm to 5pm
Tuesday:
Closed
Wednesday:
Closed
Thursday:
Closed
Friday:
Closed
Saturday:
Closed
Sunday:
Closed