Mother or Father may have often heard various myths about child development. For example, a child who has flat feet will experience delays in walking. But is this myth true?
Flat feet is a condition when the baby does not have an arch in one or both feet. Apparently, this is a normal condition experienced by almost all babies around the world.
Facts about Flat Feet in Children
Babies are usually born with flat feet that will develop and form curves with age. Flat feet are caused by the presence of a layer of fat that serves as a cushion when they learn to stand. This fat pad is needed because their leg muscles are not strong enough to support the body.
When the child is late for walking, do not rush to blame this flat foot. Foot deformities are not the only cause of late walking children. Delayed walking in children can also be caused by lack of stimulation, nutritional deficiencies, or congenital physical abnormalities.
Even so, if your little one's feet still look flat until he is 4 or 5 years old, especially if he looks in pain when he is asked to walk, Mom and Dad should have him checked by a pediatrician.
Later, the doctor will carry out further examinations to determine whether the baby's flat feet need treatment or not.
Causes and Ways to Overcome Flat Feet in Children
Feet that remain flat until the child is 4-5 years old are usually caused by heredity, poor foot bone growth while still in the womb, and a medical condition that affects the joints, muscles, or nerves.
Usually, flat feet don't require serious treatment if your child's feet are painless, stiff, numb, easily injured, or have balance problems when walking.
However, if flat feet cause discomfort, your doctor will usually suggest the following treatments:
- The use of shoes that are comfortable, according to the size of the foot, and low heeled.
- The addition of special shoe soles to support the feet.
- Exercise or leg stretching.
- Take pain relievers.
- Surgery (rarely performed).
Flat feet can indeed make a child late to walk, but it can also not. If the soles of the baby's feet are flat because there is still a fat pad, this is a normal condition and almost all babies have this shape. So, this cannot be used as a benchmark.
If Mom and Dad feel that your little one is running late or has a growth delay, you should take him to the doctor so that he can be examined and given the right treatment.
