Flat Foot Deformity In Childhood

Flat feet are common in childhood and in the majority of cases this is a normal variation of foot shape. In general children with flat feet do not develop problems with their feet as adults. If the condition is present in childhood, and the foot is supple and flexible, no treatment at all is necessary. Rarely, children have symptoms, in which case an arch support may be used, but this will not change the shape of the foot, either in the present or the future. Surgery is very rarely used to correct this flexible flatfoot deformity in the child. There are however certain painful flat foot conditions in childhood which are associated with a stiff foot, in that case, some form of treatment may be necessary, depending upon the underlying condition.