Flat Feet in Children and Adults

By Dr. John Goodner, D.P.M

The arch of a person’s foot is the main supporting structure of the body. It is composed of bones that are connected by ligaments. If the ligaments are strong, the integrity of the arch remains intact. Ligaments that are loose or weak allow the arch to flatten. When this occurs, muscles try ineffectively to hold up the arch. Pain in the foot, legs, ankle and back often develops. CAUSES: Flatfeet include loose ligaments in the arch. Trauma to tendons or bone abnormalities can cause the foot to flatten. Tight calf muscles can severely aggravate the condition. Arthritis in the foot or ankle (rheumatoid or psoriatic) can be a predisposing factor in flatfeet. SYMPTOMS: Pain usually in the arch, ankles and legs aggravated by standing and walking is a symptom. Premature fatigue during any type of activity frequently occurs. Cramping in the legs, especially at night, is common. In children, a general lack of interest in participating in sports may also be seen. SIGNS: A flat arch when standing or the foot excessively points to the outside especially during gait. Bulging of the bones on the inside of the ankle and foot are usually seen. Flatfeet are usually associated with knockknees and abnormal shoe wear. RELATED PROBLEMS: Back and knee problems are seen, especially in children and men. Hammertoes, heel spurs and bunions are often associated with flatfeet as a person ages. Arthritis in the foot, ankle, knees, hips and back is also common with aging. Inactivity, which can cause weight gain and poor cardiovascular fitness may also result. TREATMENT: The first step is identifying the area of pain and underlying cause as early as possible. Other treatments include: wearing proper shoe gear and custom molded orthotics to support the foot and the entire extremity; physical therapy to improve flexibility, strength, balance and coordination; stretching of the calf muscles in a cast to diminish excessive strain on the arch and improve flexibility; and surgery to correct the deformity and return the child or adult to full function. ▸ Dr. John Goodner is a Board Certified Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Surgeon with the Foot, Ankle and Leg Specialists of South Florida and specializes in sports medicine foot and ankle injuries, foot and ankle arthroscopy, lower extremity trauma, and lower extremity deformities in infants, children, teens and adults. The South Florida Institute of Sports Medicine is located at 17842 NW 2nd St Pembroke Pines, FL 33029-2806 Tel: (954) 430-9901 The practice website is www.SouthFloridaSports-

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