Image Credit: Podiatry Today

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Article Authors: Gordon Slater| Tandose Sambo 

Paediatric flatfoot is common in children, and normally heals on its own as children grow, develop and become more active in their early childhood. Flatfoot is defined by the absence of the arch at the base of the leg. Babies are normally born with padded feet, so the arch tends to be absent. Otherwise however, with a flexor motion strengthened and via physical activity the arch will become more prevalent with time. By the time children are at the age of eight, the condition will have alleviated. If you notice any unusual appearances in your child’s feet, do consult with your podiatrist or your paediatric orthopaedic surgeon. Via a series of diagnostics algorithms outlined below, the root cause of the problem will be identified, and the appropriate treatment plan can be developed. Treatment is either via exterior intervention, or via minimally invasive procedures such as Subtalar Arthroereisis.

Symptoms of Paediatric Flatfoot

Paediatric Flatfoot is a common condition in children. While not a contributor to deformities in children, it affects appropriate weight management in children. With sagging of the medial arch and the heel valgus as its main identifiers, in many patients they may develop complications later in life that will affect their mobility. With minimal symptoms in the majority of the population, some children do experience pain in their feet, and ultimately find themselves limiting their physical activity due to the pain they experience after the sporting event. Symptoms of paediatric flatfoot include: 

  1. Pain in the bottom of the leg, which spreads to the ankle regions. 
  2. Lateral motion in the heels. The heels will vere outwards. 

Consultation with your paediatric orthopaedic surgeon will facilitate an appropriate diagnosis of the condition. Usually, a series of decisions are made by your specialist. The following diagram represents that outcome: 

Image reference: NIH

With the various action steps that are taken by your specialists, there are a series of possibilities that determine the path that will be taken by your foot and ankle surgical specialist. After detailed analysis and observations, the ideal path for your child’s progression will be determined. 

Treatment of Paediatric Flatfoot

The minor cases of paediatric flatfoot that require treatment,often utilize the processes of either orthotic devices that are custom made to fit the feet or surgical procedures such as Subtalar Arthroereisis plugs. The process of arthroereisis is based on the concept of Greek root meaning “ to press a thing against”. This process is a means via which the ankle joint can be propped by an implement, much as identified in the image above. The arthroereisis procedure aims to achieve the following: 

  1. Control the motion at the subtalar joint 
  2. Facilitate range of motion (3-5) degree allowance
  3. Preserve the joint

Orthopaedic surgeons have been utilising surgical treatments for paediatric flat foot for many years. It has proven to be successful in children. If you’re a concerned parent, then talk through the above decision matrix with your orthopaedic surgeon to determine what path of action is best for you. 

References: 

  1. Pediatric Flatfoot: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23263679
  2. Flatfoot in Children: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14483-flatfoot-in-children/management-and-treatment
  3. Pediatric Flexible Flatfeet: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3684468/