WHAT IS IT?
This is a form of flatfoot that presents in children. Flatfoot in kids (also known as tarsal coalition), is more common than you think and can sometimes correct itself naturally. Symptoms usually appear around the ages of 9 to 16 when the bones shave matured.
WHAT CAUSES IT?
Flatfoot or pronated foot as it can also be termed has no arch at the instep. Some children have flexible flatfoot, which cause no pain or disability Tarsal coalition also known as rigid flatfoot, is not common and results when two tarsal bones of the feet fuse together. Many underlying issues can cause tarsal atrophy in kids; cerebral palsy, connective tissue disorders, knock-knees, obesity, incorrect footwear, nervous system disorders and many more. Your doctor will need to perform a series of test to determine the true cause.
SYMPTOMS
- NO arch when standing on tiptoes.
- Minimal ankle movement during activity such as walking.
- Pain in the feet, ankle or leg muscles.
TREATMENT
Non-surgical
- Inserts that cushion the arch of the feet.
- Achilles tendon treatment that aim to stretch a shortened tendon.
Surgical treatments are only performed on children above a certain age. If they have a short Achilles tendon, then surgery will correct this deformity.