This is a common question many parents ask. There are many common foot conditions children are born with:
- Flat foot (pes planus) is the most common foot condition. This is easily seen in children as the arches of the feet appear “fallen.” Most flat feet in children are not painful, however, some are and they may become painful as the child gets older and becomes more active in sports and other activities. Any parent with a child complaining of persistent foot pain should seek an evaluation by a foot and ankle specialist to ensure there are no problems with the development of their feet such as a Tarsal Coalition
- High arched feet (pes cavus) are less common, but can be a sign of underlying neurological conditions. A high arched foot can become painful due to more weight being placed on the ball of the foot and the heel during activities. High arched feet also can lead to ankle problems as a high arched foot increases the potential for ankle sprains.
- A number of other common conditions exist which are described on our website: Pediatric Foot Problems
If you notice your child limping or your child complains of pain and/or appears unable to keep up with their friends you should seek an evaluation to determine any problems hindering your child’s development and ability to maintain an active lifestyle.
If you have concerns about your child’s feet, call us for an appointment today!