Flat feet, or pes planus, is a common condition that normally goes untreated, according to Children's Memorial Hospital. For some kids, though, flat feet can be a painful and debilitating condition. There are a number of methods that can keep youth ice skaters with flat feet pain free while on the ice. Orthotics and stretching help alleviate the pain and stress of flat feet. Always consult your child's doctor for advice on how to ice skate pain free.
Flat Feet
This condition is manifested by feet without arches. Flat feet can be rigid or flexible. Flexible flat feet usually cause no problems. However, rigid flat feet can lead to pain in the foot and ankle. Tarsal coalition is another condition that can lead to flat feet. This condition occurs when at least two bones in the foot are fused together. Tarsal coalition normally occurs at birth and can cause a child to develop flat feet.
Ice Skating
For a majority of children, flat feet cause no problems with their participation in ice skating or any other sport. When flat feet do become a problem, the foot can become stiff, inflexible and painful. Pain can also occur in the ankles and lower legs, and even travel to the knees after strenuous activity. Ice skating requires a lot of time spent on the feet. Simply standing for extended periods of time can initiate pain in a child with flat feet.
Footwear
Rigid flat feet may limit range of motion. This can make finding shoes or ice skates that fit appropriately more difficult. Flat feet can lead to the breakdown of the insides of shoes or ice skates. Shoes that become worn cannot properly support the feet. Orthotics, or inserts in skates and shoes, can help to alleviate pain as well as relieve stress resulting from flat feet.
Flat Feet Treatment
A majority of children with flat feet never require any treatment, according to Children's Memorial Hospital. A series of stretching and strengthening exercises can help rigid flat feet become more flexible. Surgery is seldom required for children with flat feet. The corrective procedure requires a surgeon to place implants in the feet to raise the arches. Children's Memorial Hospital strongly discourages flat foot surgery in children.
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