Flat feet making it impossible for you commit to your New Year’s resolution?!

Flat feet or more technically called Pes Planus is a condition where the medial arch of the foot is decrease or sometimes non existent. The particular causes of flat feet vary from being normal in the very young being a inherited or progressive deformity in the older population. Either way, the pains that can be associated with a flat foot can be crippling. But don’t fret, there is always a solution to your problem.

Flat feet in the very young, as in less then 4 is extremely common and also somewhat normal. During this age the tibia (long bone in the leg) is in a internally rotated position and this actually contributes to a flat foot. But don’t worry as your child ages the tibia will rotate and an arch will be created! In the toddler to puberty range of children flat feet often times become symptomatic and are considered to be abnormal. At these ages the first line of treatment is always a strict stretching regime, along with a well made custom insoles. Lucky for you we make those insoles (also called orthotics) in house! It is very important to not sell yourself (or loved one) short by purchasing over the counter orthotics. These typically fall well short in the support department and also because of the mass production nature can not possibly know how much correction your feet need! It would be like buying a mouth guard from Walmart expecting straight teeth! As your child ages or if their deformity is severe surgical correction of the flat foot is always an option. It actually consists of three small procedures that yield a normal foot, but most importantly minimize long term pain!