Even when they are perfectly healthy, kids have a way of drawing attention to themselves. As a parent or responsible caretaker, you also have a natural inclination to observe your children for their health and well-being in addition to their unique personalities. Occasionally, foot and ankle concerns such as flat feet may arise which can be tricky to pick up in a developing child. In these situations, thorough and professional evaluations can help ensure that more serious problems do not arise down the road.

          Due to the way that young children develop, they typically have different biomechanical standards than adults. These are based on their age, genetic makeup and other factors. For example, kids generally have more pliable soft tissues as well as a more pronated foot type which is normal until about 7 or 8 years of age. Of course, everyone is different, but there are also even more specific standard measurements for the heel position at particular ages. As a parent, there are a few things that you can monitor such as the sleeping and sitting positions, shoe wear, growing pains, and levels of activity of your child. Because young kids are not able to give a detailed description of their symptoms, subtle signs including a low threshold for physical activities can serve as a red flag that something may be wrong.

          One fairly common developmental abnormality is a foot which is rotated outwards on the ankle joint-essentially the opposite of a clubfoot. This is caused by intrinsic factors such as muscle imbalances and weak ligaments as well as extrinsic factors including a small uterus, increased fetal size, early walking and crawling, or simply ill-fitting shoes. The condition occurs in about 1 in 1,000 live births and may be a flexible or a fixed deformity. Generally, this condition will resolve with time, but in certain situations it should be treated early-ideally within the first year of life. The treatment most often involves manipulation of the involved extremity with splints or serial casting to rotate it back into a neutral position.

          Another condition which should be evaluated in young kids occurs when the heel position is fairly normal but the forefoot is deviated inwards. This also may or may not progress to become a painful deformity and thus require treatment. However, it is typically a milder deformity and thus may be effectively treated when the child is several years older.

          Other more obvious but serious abnormalities include a high-arched foot, a ‘rocker-bottom’ foot, or a foot with misshapen digits. These conditions warrant professional attention as soon as possible. If you have questions regarding these or any others affecting the feet or ankles of your child, don’t hesitate to contact your local Chandler podiatrist today. He can assist you in determining what is normal and whether any sort of intervention is appropriate. For all youngsters, it is important to start off on the right foot!

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