Foot type is inherited, so parents who have foot problems will inevitably pass them on to their children. Different foot types lead to different symptoms such as lower back pain, knee pain, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, neuroma and bunions. If you or your spouse are dealing with foot and leg pain, then there is good chance that you have passed on those potential problems to your children.
Unlike adults, kids won’t have traditional symptoms like pain to start with. Instead, you may notice that they have frequent falls or poor endurance.
Flat feet can be normal up to about the age of 3 to 4 years old. Children in this age group are treated with an arch support if the the child is inhibited in any way because of their foot structure or if the degree of heel tilt is above normal.
After the age of 4 children will not “outgrow” their flat foot. If not treated, this can lead to an array of foot problems.
In our office we treat children with Little Steps foot orthotics. Little Steps have an extra deep heel cup which controls the back of the foot. They also have excellent arch support with a deep flare on both sides of the orthotic which provides support and correction.
Little Steps foot orthotics:
- Support flat feet and improve posture
- Control heel pain
- Help treat toe walking
- Improve low muscle tone and strength
Little Steps are light weight, comfortable and best of all…NO special shoe is needed! They fit easily in most shoes with a closed back.
For those children who in-toe when they walk, leading to tripping and falling, we treat with Little Steps Gait Plates.
I am a parent who suffers from neuroma, plantar fasciitis and posterior tibial tendinitis. I inherited my foot type from my mother and have now passed it down to my daughter. If I weren’t a podiatrist, I don’t think I would be as in tune to my own foot problems and how they could affect my own children. I have my daughter in Little Steps foot orthotics to support and correct her feet as she grows.
Take some time at home to look at your children’s feet and the way they walk. If you have any questions or concerns we would be more than happy to evaluate them and make recommendations.
