Bet you didn't know that all babies are born with flat feet. This is because the arch has not yet formed and there is considerable amount of baby fat in that area. For most parents it is not cause for concern. But when flat feet seem to persist past two or three years old, parents are wary whether to see a doctor to have them corrected. In most cases, however, there is generally no need for any concern.

What causes flat feet?

Flat feet, also know as pes valgus or pes planus, is where one or both feet fail to form a normal arch. Some people have flat feet as a genetic trait, or due to trauma to the feet. Others are susceptible to flat feet due to being overweight, arthritis or other musculoskeletal disorders. In the case of a child, the appearance of flat feet is due to the laxity of ligaments that help to create an arch.

What are the symptoms of flat feet?

For most people, a flat foot does not cause any symptoms at all. However, some may have foot pain, which should constitute a visit to the doctor. Your doctor will do an examination of the foot, and may require x-rays of the foot. A flat foot that is rigid, meaning the arch is absent even when bearing weight, can often be quite painful. Flat feet can also result in other foot problems, such as bunion, hammertoes and calluses.

What is the treatment of flat feet?

Most doctors will not recommend treatment of flat feet until the patient is over three or four years old, allowing sufficient time for the baby fat pad to disappear. Treatment usually focuses on preventing further flattening to develop, with the introduction of arch supports. Because children's feet develop quickly, it is advisable to try an inexpensive plastic support, rather than a custom-made, specially-fit support. A shoe insert or heel cup may help with chronic pain. Surgery is generally not recommended for most cases of flat feet.

Will my child have to restrain from sports?

Exercise has not been shown to cause flat feet from getting worse. Your child should be free to jump, run and walk like any other child. And the U.S. Army has since disregarded the claim that soldiers in training should be expelled for having flat feet, citing flimsy evidence that flat feet alone can cause foot pain.

Most parents worry that if something is not done quickly, then their child with flat feet will have problems while participating in sports, or have other physical disabilities in life. That is as far from the truth as possible. Most people with flat feet live long productive lives, without any treatment needed, including expensive orthotic shoes.

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