During their growth, children go through different stages, among which is the valgus phase. At this time, children begin to walk until their structures mature a little, more or less until the age of 7 years.
During this period, children’s feet have a somewhat flattened appearance, and their knees may even appear to be too close together, with the heels turned inwards. But don’t worry, none of these reasons should worry us and are part of the growth process, as long as there are no symptoms (for example, pain or frequent falls).
What are flat feet in children?
To detect this pathology there are two visual elements that are always repeated:
- Tucking the heels in: this is a common characteristic, giving the sensation of “tipping” the feet. It is easy to detect in the shoes, since the wear is marked, deforming the shoes at the heel.
- Decreased or absent arch of the foot: when the child supports the foot, the arch shape does not appear, giving a “sunken” sensation. It is important to keep in mind that sometimes the absence of arch also appears without support, but when the arch is supported, it is formed, so it would not be a case of flat feet.
How to act if it presents the characteristics of a flat foot?
Infantile flat feet can occur in the normal growth of a child, without causing any problem. In the event that the child has more than 7 years and maintains a flat foot, it is advisable to visit a specialist in podiatry. Also in those cases where there are symptoms, even if the child is younger than the mentioned age.
In short, the maximum age at which a child’s foot should be flat is between 6 and 7 years old.
What are the most common signs?
The most recurrent symptoms are usually muscle fatigue, frequent falls (“clumsy” children) or pain, although to a lesser extent. Also, in some cases deformities of the fingers may also be seen, for example, in the deviation of the big toe.
If your child has any of these signs, it is important to see a specialist for early assessment and, if necessary, treatment.
The recommended age to assess the appearance of a child’s foot, in relation to the rest of the locomotor system, is from 4 or 5 years of age.