How Paediatric Orthopaedics Can Help Children with Flat Feet?

Paediatric orthopaedics is a specialised area of medicine whose primary focus is on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal issues in children. Flat feet, known as pes planus, is a frequent condition that lots of kids have, and paediatric orthopaedic specialists are knowledgeable to give useful treatment choices for this condition.

In this blog, we will talk about how paediatric orthopaedics can aid kids with flat feet. We will begin by figuring out what flat feet are, what causes them, and how it impacts kids. Then we'll talk about how paediatric orthopaedic experts diagnose and handle flat feet, including non-surgical and surgical choices. Finally, we will show the advantages of getting help from a children's orthopaedic expert.

Understanding Paediatric Flat Feet

Paediatric flat feet is a condition where the arch of the foot is not there or is very low. The state can be born with or gotten and affects kids of all ages, from babies to teens. The arch of the foot usually grows during the first years of life, and by age 6, most kids have a well-formed arch.

There are two kinds of paediatric flat feet: flexible flat feet and rigid flat feet. Flexible flat feet are the most common type and happen when the arch shows up when the kid stands on their toes or tiptoes but goes away when they stand flat on their feet. Rigid flat feet, different, are not as frequent and take place when the arch is not there even when the kid stands on their toes or tiptoes.

Many causes of paediatric flat feet in children exist. Congenital flat feet can be inherited or caused by abnormal development of the foot bone. Getting flat feet can be caused by injury, ails or weakening of the foot muscles and ligaments from overdo or being overweight.

Symptoms of flat feet in children may include:

• Pain or discomfort in the feet or legs, especially after physical activity
• Fatigue or tiredness in the feet and legs
• Difficulty standing on tiptoes
• Walking with an outward or inward tilt of the foot
• Shoes that wear out unevenly

Diagnosis of Pediatric Flat Feet

A paediatric orthopaedic expert usually does a physical exam to diagnose flat feet in children. The specialist will search for signs of a flattened arch, like not enough space between the ground and the inner part of the foot when the child stands. The specialist might also look at the child's way of walking to see if there is anything abnormal or unbalanced.

Tests may be done to check the diagnosis or rule out other problems. The tests could be X-rays or MRI scans to check the bones, muscles, and ligaments in the foot.

It is necessary to identify flat feet fast to avoid extra problems. Flat feet can cause other musculoskeletal issues, like knee aches, backaches, and bad posture. In serious cases, flat feet can be a problem to do physical activities and sports, which can affect a child's overall health and happiness.

Treatment of Pediatric Flat Feet

Treatment choices for kids with flat feet depend on how bad it is, and the age and activity of the child. In most cases, non-surgical treatments will be suggested first. These options may include:

1. Orthotics: Shoe inserts or arch supports made custom to help support the foot and improve aligning. 
2. Stretching exercises: These exercises can help strengthen the foot muscles and improve flexibility, also trains mothers for exercises.
3. Physical therapy: Therapy that can help improve the child's range of motion, balance, and coordination. In some situations, surgery might be needed. 

Options for flat feet surgery may include:

1. Procedures of soft tissue: These can help make the muscles and ligaments of the foot taught or longer to make it better aligned and supported.
2. Osteotomy: This is a procedure of cutting and changing the position of bones in the foot to better its structure and how it works. 
3. Arthrodesis: A procedure that fusions two or more bones together in the foot to improve its stability, is called Arthrodesis. 

It must be noted surgery is usually only advised for serious cases of flat feet that don't respond to non-surgical remedies. Surgery poses dangers and needs a time of healing, so it should be thought about only after carefully considering and talking to a paediatric orthopaedic expert.

Benefits of Seeing a Paediatric Orthopaedic Specialist

Paediatric orthopaedic specialists are uniquely trained and experienced in treating musculoskeletal conditions in children. They have specialised knowledge of the growing and developing musculoskeletal system of children and can provide individualised treatment plans based on a child's age, activity level, and overall health.

Some of the benefits of seeking treatment from a paediatric orthopaedic specialist for flat feet may include:

1. Expert evaluation and diagnosis: A paediatric orthopaedic specialist can accurately diagnose flat feet and rule out other conditions that may mimic the symptoms of flat feet.
2. Individualised treatment plans: A paediatric orthopaedic specialist can develop a treatment plan tailored to the specific needs of a child, taking into account their age, activity level, and overall health.
3. Coordination with other medical professionals: A paediatric orthopaedic specialist can work with other medical professionals, such as physical therapists, to ensure comprehensive care for a child with flat feet.
4. Long-term follow-up and monitoring: A paediatric orthopaedic specialist can provide long-term follow-up and monitoring to ensure that the treatment plan is effective and that the child's condition is not worsening.

Conclusion

Paediatric flat feet are a common condition that affects lots of children. Some kids may grow out of it, but others may need treatment to stop any more problems. Paediatric orthopaedic experts are specialised to diagnose and cure flat feet in kids, giving successful non-operational and surgical treatment options if necessary.

If you worry about your kid's flat feet, it's important to get an evaluation and treatment from a paediatric orthopaedic expert. Early diagnosing and treating can help stop more complications and make sure that your kid can do physical activities and sports without feeling pain or unease.