Patient Name: Carminetty, Leonardo s1

Division of Pediatric Orthopaedics

Sanjeev Sabharwal, MD

Tamir Bloom, MD

Emily McClemens, PA-C Michele Edgar, PA-C

Phone: (973) 972-0246

Flat Feet

Flat feet are normal for infants and young children. About one in five children never develop an arch. Children usually have flat feet because they are normally loose-jointed.

The arch of your child’s feet

Just as children come in different heights, arches come in different heights. You can usually see the arch when your child's feet hang free over a chair or table. You may also be able to see the arch when your child stands on his or her toes. When standing normally, the arch flattens.

Special concerns

Your child's doctor will be concerned about the arches of your child’s feet if they are:

• Very stiff

• Painful

• Very flat

• Arched very high

Treatment

Treatment for flat feet is not necessary. Your child's arches should develop by the age of 6 or 7 years old. Special wedges, shoe inserts or heels are not needed; they can make your child's feet feel uncomfortable and can cost a lot of money.

Proper Shoes For Your Child

It is important to choose the right shoes for your child. The most important reason to wear shoes is to help protect your child's feet from injury, such as from sharp objects like glass or rocks. Shoes also protect feet from the cold ground. Children should begin wearing shoes as soon as they begin to walk. Keep these tips in mind when buying shoes for a child of any age:

Size

It is better to buy shoes that are too large rather than too small. Children's feet grow quickly. Find a shoe that is one size larger so your child has room to move and grow.

Shape

Do not buy shoes that have odd shapes, such as narrow pointed toes or high chunky heels. Shoes should be comfortable, flexible and offer plenty of room in the toe area.

Material

Shoes made of a hard, stiff material are not good for your child's feet. They limit movement, which is needed to develop strength and flexibility in the muscles of the feet. Choose a shoe made out of soft, bendable material. Leather is durable and offers good protection, but leather may cost more. Cloth shoes may cost less but are not as protective. Shoes made of vinyl are flexible but are not as durable.

Soles

When buying shoes, look closely at the sole for traction, flexibility and durability. Choose a shoe with a rubber sole and a flat heel. The rubber will help prevent injuries from slips and falls.

Remember: Children will not wear a pair of shoes for a long time because of foot growth and shoe wear. Buying fancy shoes can be costly and is not needed. A good shoe does not have to cost a lot of money.

ALERT: Call your child’s doctor, nurse, or clinic if you have any questions or concerns or if your child has special health care needs that were not covered by this Information.

This teaching sheet is meant to provide you with additional information about your child’s care. Diagnosis, treatment and follow-up should be provided by a health care professional.