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Flat feet in children: at what age to worry?
When a small child walks barefoot, we cannot see his arch and we are worried. In reality, it is only an optical illusion. Her soles are well padded. The toddler has naturally flat feet. When it is supported, the foot flattens under its weight and its arch disappears. When her feet remain flat and above all stiff after 5-6 years, it is imperative to consult your doctor.
Baby: his feet are hollow
When the child is not in support, his foot is hollow. This arch is intended to increase as and of his growth and his mastery of walking. Ask your shoemaker for advice on choosing the right shoes. They must be solid, leather with internal and posterior buttress. No need to buy orthopedic insoles, which are often expensive and ineffective. Do not hesitate to make it walk barefoot, on the sand in particular. It is ideal for strengthen his muscles. Remember to monitor their position. And to see a doctor when his foot only rests on the ground through his heel and forefoot and gives the impression of a curled foot. This can indeed indicate neuromuscular immaturity. The doctor can then prescribe a plaster splint at night and physiotherapy sessions.
Her legs are arched and tuck in
Normal up to 4 years. In babies, the bones of the leg, thigh, tibia, and femur are inherently twisted inward. We therefore have the impression that he is walking inside, especially when he is barefoot. This way of walking often arises from the twisting of the tibia but this defect is generally corrected around 4 years. To help her correct this little flaw, try preventing her from sitting with her feet propped up under her buttocks or on her sides. Stand in front of him and sit cross-legged while asking him to imitate you. Sometimes the rotation of the femur persists beyond 3-4 years causing both the kneecaps, the legs and the feet inward. Depending on the degree of deformation, your specialist will recommend a surgical intervention.
Your baby’s knees are not straight
The legs form an “O” up to 2 years and an “X” up to 4 years. It is not a deformation but it is part of the process of verticalization. It only ends in adolescence with the alignment of the lower limbs. Up to 18 months, therefore, children have knees apart. We call this the “genu varum”, which usually fades after a few months. And from 2-3 years old, the knees come closer, it is the “genu valgum”, which is supposed to disappear around the age of 4. From 2 years old, the “genu varum” can get worse. It becomes asymmetrical and the kneecaps are right in front. Depending on the severity, a radiographic assessment will be necessary every six months to follow the evolution. As for the “genu valgum”, you should consult your doctor if the child bumps the knees and falls often. Despite everything, no treatment will be undertaken to put the knees back in line before pre-adolescence. Imperfections can fade over time.