Pes planus, also known as flatfoot, describes a condition in which the arches of the foot are dropped down or flat. The condition exists at birth, meaning that it’s a congenital foot problem, and it can affect one or both feet. Most children with flatfoot do not need treatment, because the condition often corrects itself as they grow. The doctor may recommend treatment if the child experiences pain or disability in the affected foot.
Proper Footwear
According to eOrthopod.com, proper footwear helps to support the foot and also prevents further stretching of the ligaments and tendons. Children may find relief from discomfort in their feet if they wear comfortable shoes that provide a good arch support. Supporting the arch helps decrease the tension in the posterior tibialis, the tendon that attaches one of the smaller muscles of the calf to the underside of the foot. This tendon helps support the arch and allows the foot to turn inward. The shoes should have a firm heel counter--the shoe material that fits around the heel of the foot--and a flexible sole. The firm heel counter promotes support, and and the flexible sole allows for proper foot joint movement.
Shoe Insert
Seattle Children’s Hospital, Research and Foundation recommends placing an over-the-counter arch support in the child’s shoe if she has pain in her feet or legs after activities. The arch support should not consist of a hard plastic material, which can actually cause pain rather than relieve it. The inserts should have a cushioned, soft feel. eOrthopod.com explains that the arch supports do not build an arch by wearing them, but they do provide support to the structures of the foot, thus relieving pain.
Calf Muscle Exercises
The muscles and tendons in the lower leg that connect to the foot allow the foot to move. Most children with flatfoot have a defect or deformity in either one. The Foot and Ankle Center of Washington suggests that the child perform exercises to the calf muscles to encourage normal development of the arch. Calf muscle exercises help to develop strength in the muscle, tendons, ligaments and bone in the foot and ankle. An exercise called towel gathering helps to strengthen the calf muscles. It consists of placing a towel on the floor and having the child squeeze the towel with his toes for 15 minutes daily.
Surgery
According to Seattle Children’s Hospital, Research and Foundation, children undergo surgery if nonsurgical treatments fail to relieve their pain. Surgery reduces pain and helps correct the problem by realigning the foot. Most children have their flatfoot deformity corrected and their Achilles tendon, the tendon that attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone, lengthened during surgery.
