Pediatrics
Pediatric Flatfoot
Flat feet or fallen arches is a condition when the foot does not have a normal arch when standing. When all body weight is placed on the feet, there is little to no space between the arch and the ground. It is normal to have a flat foot up until the age of 2 to 3 years old.
When a child begins heel-toe walking at approximately the age of 4, the foot should start to resemble an adult foot. An arch will begin to form and the leg position will start to straighten. If the child continues to walk pronated (inward rolling) then treatment can begin.
What are the signs and symptoms of pediatric flatfoot?
Looking from behind- inside ankle comes toward the ground and there is more of the outside of the foot visible than the inside (4th and 5th digits)
Pain – child complains of pain associated with their feet and/or legs
Age – no change in arch shape as the child grows older (4 – 6 years old)
Difficulty walking or running- child trips when running or fatigues easily
Family history – fallen arches often run in the family. It is important to assess the children of parents who have been treated for this condition.
If you wish to have a child evaluated for pediatric flatfoot please contact the Orleans Foot Care Clinic at (613) 834-2224 to book an appointment.
Toe Walking
Toe walking is common in children and refers to a person who walks only on the ball of their foot without bringing their heels to the ground.
What causes toe walking in children?
Habit- in this case there is no underlying cause, the child simply prefers to walk on their toes.
Tight or shortened Achilles tendon
Neurological/Muscular disorder
If you wish to have a child evaluated for toe walking please contact the Orleans Foot Care Clinic at (613) 834-2224 to book an appointment.
Intoeing
Intoeing or walking pigeon toed is a common concern that parents have of their children when they begin walking.
What are the causes of intoeing?
There are many different causes for in-toeing but they are related to developmental unwinding from the hip to the foot. The cause of in-toeing may originate from the hip, thigh bone, knee, shin bone, the foot or a combination of the above.
What are the signs and symptoms of intoeing?
Toes are pointed inward
Awkward walk (unstable)
Child may trip over own feet while walking
Tend to sit in the ‘W’ position (encourages in-toeing)
Complaints of tired, sore feet
May avoid walking
Knee or back pain
If you wish to have a child evaluated for intoeing please contact the Orleans Foot Care Clinic at (613) 834-2224 to book an appointment.