I just recently learned my toddler has flat feet! I know I’m not the sole mom coping with this issue as it’s really pretty typical in kids. If your kid is among the forty four % of a 3-to-6-year aged kid with feet that are flat, then rest assured you’re not on your own.
Thankfully, for the majority of kids, the issue corrects itself as kids develop. Nevertheless, if the situation isn’t addressed, it is able to result in more serious issues in the future. As a mother, I would like to be certain I’m doing everything I could to help make certain my child begins on the proper foot (sorry – I could not resist a foot pun!).
Thus, I’ve completed the research of mine to discover all I have to learn about toddler flat feet (or maybe pes planus – a flattening of the arches) and the way to deal with it.
What Causes Feet that are Flat in Kids
Based on the Mayo Clinic, “A flat feet is usual in toddlers and babies, because the foot’s arch has not yet created. Many people’s arches develop throughout childhood, though some individuals never ever develop arches.”
While the state is typical, the issues happen when babies never develop arches. In these instances, kids may feel pain, poor walking, and bad feet development. Ouch! Not at all points I would like my sweet child to need to face.
Do’s and Don’ts for children with Feet that are Flat
Thankfully, many kids with feet that are flat don’t have to have anything serious performed to enable them to overcome this problem. Nevertheless, you will find very few easy do’s and also don’ts we are able to use as parents.
Do talk to the pediatrician of yours. A pediatrician is going to be in a position to evaluate the kid of yours and make recommendations.
Do take your pediatrician’s guidance, like acting on actual physical therapy.
Do have your kid use inserts (especially your physician suggests a custom orthotic device).
Do teach the kid of yours to rest as well as stretch.
Do temporarily alter your child’ tasks, therefore he/she is not standing or even jogging for extended time periods in case your kid is experiencing pain as an outcome of pain feet.
Do spend money on helpful footwear. (I am listing the most effective models of supporting footwear below!)
Do not wear shoes with no support.
Do not have on shoes with no arc (such as Vans or Converse).
Do not attempt to cut costs by purchasing lower quality shoes.
Do not buy shoes without getting your kid try them on. If your kid is using a shoe which doesn’t fit, it’ll just exacerbate the problem.
Seven Shoe Brands to purchase for children with Feet that are Flat
When it relates to giving the child of yours the best shot at coping with feet that are flat, the smartest thing you are able to do is invest in amazing, supportive shoes. It is going to be worthwhile in the end! In order to give you a number of ideas, I’ve determined the 7 best shoe brands for children with feet that are flat.
Asics – They provide a good number of colorful and supportive sports shoes for toddlers on up.
Saucony – Their kid’s athletic shoe line starts with baby sizes and are meant to provide assistance.
New Balance – They’re recognized for their helpful athletic shoes for older people, but their shoes will also be excellent for preschoolers and also toddlers with feet that are flat.
Robeez – This brand is usually recommended by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) since their shoes are intended to simply help good feet development.
Stride Rite – They create high-quality children’s shoes created to encourage good activity for babies up to kids that are great.
Crocs – Kids like crocs, plus their arch style and power to contour on the form of the feet can make them stand out.
Salt Water Sandals – If you’re searching for flip flops for the kid of yours with feet that are flat, I suggest Salt Water sandals. These high quality sandals are made of authentic leather and then are available in an assortment of colors.