What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Children with Flexible Flatfoot
• Pediatric Flatfoot

What is Flexible Flatfoot in Children? (Definition/Background Information)

• Flexible Flatfoot in Children is a condition that may be described as the disappearance of the arch in the foot, as a child’s foot comes firmly into contact with the ground (flat surface) on standing. The arch of the foot returns when the legs are not pressed onto a hard surface
• Flexible flatfoot is a common type of flatfoot that usually starts during childhood or adolescence and continues into adulthood. It is caused by flexible ligaments within the foot that results in a flattening of the arch
• Flexible Flatfoot in Children usually occurs in both feet, and the severity typically progresses over time. However, the prognosis of Children with Flexible Flatfoot is usually good, if detected and properly treated early

Who gets Flexible Flatfoot in Children? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Flexible Flatfoot in Children or Pediatric Flatfeet is a common developmental condition. Worldwide studies have estimated that 80-90% of infants are born with flatfeet
• Thus, virtually all infants have flatfeet and more than 4 out of every 10 children aged 3-6 years old have flatfeet. As the child ages, the condition usually improves, once the muscles and ligaments within the arch develop and tighten
• Children with Flexible Flatfoot usually do not develop an arch in the foot until the age of 5 years or older. Besides, some children may never develop an arch in the foot

What are the Risk Factors for Flexible Flatfoot in Children? (Predisposing Factors)

Common risk factors of Flexible Flatfoot in Children include:

• Family history of the condition
• Advancing age of the child
• Any traumatic injury to the posterior tibial tendon while participating in sports may lead to a Flexible Flatfoot in Children
• The condition has been noticed in children with Down syndrome

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others. 

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider. 

What are the Causes of Flexible Flatfoot in Children? (Etiology)

Causes of Flexible Flatfoot in Children may include:

• Flexible Flatfoot in Children is caused by the presence of flexible ligaments within the foot that result in a flattened arch
• Prolonged stress to the foot
• Injury to the foot or ankle

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Flexible Flatfoot in Children?

The signs and symptoms of Flexible Flatfoot in Children may include:

• Pain surrounding the heel, ankle, or arch of the foot
• Difficulty standing on the tip of one’s toes (tiptoeing)
• Noticeable swelling on the inside of the ankle
• Weakness and fatigue within the feet or leg

How is Flexible Flatfoot in Children Diagnosed?

Flexible Flatfoot in Children is diagnosed using the following tools:

• Physical examination: During a thorough physical examination, a physician will examine the foot and observe how it appears when a child is standing and sitting. In addition to this, a complete medical history may aid in arriving at a definitive diagnosis
• X-rays of the feet: A physician may order an x-ray to help determine the severity of the condition

What are the possible Complications of Flexible Flatfoot in Children?

Complications are rare in Children with Flexible Flatfoot. However, a few that may arise after surgical treatments may include:

• Fused bones that do not heal
• Permanent deformity of the foot
• Infection in the foot
• Decreased range of motion of the ankle
• Permanent and chronic pain

How is Flexible Flatfoot in Children Treated?

Treatment for Flexible Flatfoot in Children is only required if a child has persistent pain. The nonsurgical treatment methods that may be used include:

• If a child is experiencing any pain in the foot, ankle, or leg caused by any physical activity, the physician may recommend exercises to stretch the heel cord
• A well-padded custom-made shoe insert may be used to relieve pain and aid in walking
• A physician may recommend physical therapy if the affected child has tight heel cords

If conservative methods are not successful in controlling the symptoms, the physician may recommend surgery. The surgical methods for Flexible Flatfoot in Children may include:

• Triple arthrodesis: Triple arthrodesis is a surgical procedure that involves fusing three joints within the back of the foot. These joints include the talonavicular joints, the subtalar joints, and the calcaneocuboid joints
• Lateral column lengthening: Lateral column lengthening is a surgical procedure that involves removing a small piece of a bone from the hip and placing it on the outside of the calcaneus (the heel bone). This procedure helps to restore the arch of the foot

How can Flexible Flatfoot in Children be Prevented?

• Currently, there are no specific methods or guidelines to prevent Flexible Flatfoot in Children
• Children are advised to take appropriate measures to prevent an injury to the posterior tibial tendon while participating in sports
• Active research is currently being performed to identify tissue abnormalities and potential causes responsible for Flexible Flatfoot in Children. This has the possibility to lead to improved treatment methods and preventative techniques

What is the Prognosis of Flexible Flatfoot in Children? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• A majority of cases involving Children with Flexible Flatfoot are painless; complications are also rare
• Some children with this condition may experience pain that can be treated with nonsurgical methods
• If conservative methods are unsuccessful in treating Flexible Flatfoot in Children, then surgery may be required to relieve the symptoms

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Flexible Flatfoot in Children:

The word “flexible” in Flexible Flatfoot in Children indicates that when a child is standing, the foot remains flat. However, the arch in the foot returns (to normal) when the child is not resting his/her foot firmly on the ground.