Have you ever wondered about flat feet in children? Click here for 3 things you should know, and what you can do to prevent or treat your child’s flat feet.
Keyword(s): Flat Feet in children, Muffik Puzzle Floors
As a parent, your child’s physical and mental development is paramount.
Have they started complaining of foot pain or cramping? Does their walk appear uneven and do they lack energy during physical activities?
All of these are signs of flat feet in children. This condition (also known as pes planus) is common and affects 2 out of every 10 youngsters. In most cases, flat feet correct themselves over time, but what can you do to help ease your child’s discomfort now?
Keep reading to learn 3 lesser-known facts about flat feet in children and what you can do to help.
What Does It Mean to Have Flat Feet?
The name seems pretty self-explanatory. Having flat feet means that one or both feet don’t have normal arches.
The arch at the bottom of your foot usually develops naturally by age 3. Without proper arch support, children (and adults) may experience pain or discomfort during certain physical activities or when walking on hard surfaces.
So, what else should you know about flat feet in children? Let’s examine 3 facts and tips to help ease your mind and your child’s discomfort.
1. Children are Born with Flat Feet
Flat feet are common in infants. In fact, children are born with flat feet and the arch develops over time.
Loose joints and excess baby fat trapped between foot bones sometimes cause a child’s arch to “fall” when they stand up or walk. If you’ve ever heard flat referred to as “fallen arches”, this is why. An arch may be visible when your child is sitting or laying down but instantly disappears upon standing.
As a child’s muscles strengthen and the soft tissue stiffens, many instances of flat feet correct themselves.
By age 9, the arch should be fully developed. If symptoms persist, a podiatrist can examine your child’s feet and use X-rays to determine the severity of the condition.
2. There’s No Guaranteed Treatment for Flat Feet in Children
Flat feet in children isn’t a source for major concern. Although it can cause mild discomfort or pain in the heel or arch, shoe inserts and surgery are often last resorts.
Other ways to help ease your child’s pain and promote stronger tendons and muscles include:
- Stretching
- Physical therapy
- Supportive shoes
- Walking on soft or textured surfaces like Muffik Puzzle Floors
Children with flat feet should avoid walking on concrete or hard surfaces barefoot. Instead, invest in soft or cushioned flooring that helps naturally stretch and support your child’s arch.
Our puzzle floors come in a variety of sizes, textures, and colors that make them appealing and beneficial for your child’s development. The bumps, grooves, and patterns are all designed to help promote strong, healthy muscles and improve coordination in kids.
3. It’s Difficult to Prevent Flat Feet in Children
When dealing with a health issue in children, parents often wonder, “Where did I go wrong?” Rest assured, you didn’t do anything to cause your child’s flat feet.
But the actions you take now can help prevent complications in the future. Proper foot care during adolescence reduces your child’s risk of having flat feet into adulthood.
Promoting exercise, a healthy weight, and proper footwear are all great ways to help protect your child’s feet now and in the future.
Puzzle Floors Are a Fun Solution to Flat Feet in Children
Who said that correcting flat feet in children had to be stressful – or even painful?
If you’ve noticed your child lacks a natural arch at the bottom of their foot, our puzzle floors can help correct the problem now before it becomes a source of concern. Not only are our puzzle floors and mats colorful and inviting for kids, but they come in a variety of sizes and textures.
Feel free to contact us for more information on how Muffik puzzle floors can promote your child’s healthy development.
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