Children with flat feet or over pronation

There is often much concern and confusion in the general public and medical community about children's low arches. Naturally parents are concerned at unusual appearances or if there is some pain or discomfort experienced. Feet can vary tremendously in shape and characteristics and it is not always easy for a parent to know weather their child's low arch is a healthy variation of foot type or if it is a problematic condition that need assessment by a podiatrist.

What can over pronating (excessive in-rolling at the ankle, heel or arch) cause in a child. There are a number of soft tissue structures such as muscles and tendons that are involved in controlling the natural rotation and pronation of the leg and foot. Some common examples of symptoms caused by excess pronation are of tiredness in the feet after walking and standing and pain in the arch or heel during or after exercise.

What podiatrists can do?

At Body Balance we assess all the factors that may make an over pronating or otherwise healthy foot or moderately pronating foot function abnormally. A medical history is taken along with examination of painful areas, the pattern of symptoms, footwear which may aggravate and sporting activities. The podiatrist examines the alignment of bones and joint angles, the ranges of motion of joints and possible tight muscle structures. The foot posture in standing and foot and leg movements in walking are closely watched (known as gait analysis).

Treatments

A diagnosis is made and we take the time to explain our findings and what kind of treatments are available to the parents.

Should treatment be necessary, then stretching exercise and advice on changing footwear is often all that is required. Sometimes, insole devices called orthotics can be used to help support foot postures and improve the function in the foot and leg lessening stress and strain on painful structures. There are a number of "off the shelf" orthotics that can be adjusted and modified and in less frequent cases a mould of the foot can be taken to make a make to measure corrective orthotic. Advice on how to use devices and footwear requirements is given.   At follow up appointments progress is reviewed and any changes to the treatment plan are made.

 

 

Our Patients Charter

Your Chiropodist will tell you

  • Why you are in pain
  • How long your recovery should take
  • How many treatments you should need.
  • Explain the treatment options and ask you to agree before treatment begins.
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