What is it?:
There is a longitudinal curve on the inside of the sole of our foot. This curve has a flexible structure to certain degrees. This structure absorbs the pressure of the ground on the feet during walking and thus prevents the load from damaging the knee, hip and waist joints. The absence of this curve, that is, the flattening of the sole of the foot, is called flat feet. When the normal foot steps on the ground, its inner edge does not touch the ground, but with flat feet, this inner edge begins to touch the ground. Flat feet may occur due to conditions that require orthopedic treatment, such as short Achilles tendon, spasticity of the outer group muscles of the foot, but it may also be of the type we call flexible flat feet.
Causes: Although it is not yet known how or why it occurs, flat feet are highly genetic. If it runs in the family, it may increase the likelihood of flat feet. Generally, 70-80 percent of children have flat feet. Starting from the age of 3, the fat pad on the sole of the foot begins to disappear and foot ligaments become stronger. Thus, the foot arch of children takes its normal shape until the age of 8-10.
Treatment: After the diagnosis of flexible flat feet is made, the family is informed and informed that it will resolve spontaneously at the age of 8-10. During this period, children are recommended to walk around the house in socks, booties or bare feet. Orthopedic shoes and insoles may not usually be required. However, the shoes chosen should have hard soles, heels, internal support and hard edges during the walking period. If flexible flat feet have not disappeared after the age of 8-10, and if there is rapid fatigue and pain in the calf muscles, soft soles and sports shoes that support the arch of the foot are recommended. If it is a rigid type of flat foot, that is, caused by orthopedic disorders, treatment should be directed towards the cause once the diagnosis is made.
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