Flat feet during childhood is often tough to identify when they are first born, since the true shape of the foot is often hidden by baby fat. As months go by and as the toddler enters walking stage, the situation becomes evident. As the child gets older, a normal arch should appear between the ages of four and six, as it is often developed by walking barefoot on uneven terrain. This develops ligaments, muscles, and tendons. If a normal arch does not appear during this stage of development, then it could become necessary to investigate using arch support inserts to prevent back or lower extremity issues from occurring in later years. You can test if a foot arch is being developed is by using a wet blotter. With this technique, you make a footprint of your child’s damp foot on colored paper. Then you check if the foot arch leaves a noticeable gap. You can also do this at the beach, or in a sandbox by inspecting the foot impression, however the blotter test is much more helpful. Another symptom of flat feet is when the child complains about his or her calf muscles or ankles ache after walking for a period of time, as flat feet during childhood can cause additional strain on calves and ankles to counteract the lack of arches in the feet. In some cases, a youngster may walk on the external edges of his feet, and this is often confused with bowleggedness, when it is really a result of over-pronation caused by flat feet. Pronation â€the excessive rolling inwards of the ankles and feet, and resulting breakdown of the arches†is found in up to 70% of the population. Over a period of time, excessive pronation will also cause back problems in addition to foot pain, and also leg problems. Many people do not realize how correct foot, leg and back alignment are interrelated, and it is important to correct any foot problems such as flat feet in youth to prevent further lower body health complications. It is advisable to become aware of flat feet in youth as soon as possible to prevent the resulting problems later in life. While sometimes it is a normal part of aging, it is possible for adults of any age to develop flat feet. Flat feet may be set off for reasons such as pregnancy, injury, or illness, and can be permanent or temporary, depending on the reason. Being overweight can also be a cause for flat feet in adults or children. Foot problems such as flat feet in youth can be corrected to prevent serious complications like plantar fascitis and avoid damage to other lower body parts. A recommended measure of prevention is through the use of arch support inserts. A foot specialist (podiatrist) should be able to examine the symptoms and suggest appropriate treatment, which could include arch support inserts or foot exercises, depending on the severity of the problem. In many cases, standard arch support inserts products available on the Internet or at retail stores, can provide the needed arch support, without the need for expensive custom-made orthotics or other aids available via prescription. It is important to keep in mind when it comes to flat feet in youth is that early detection can prevent many serious complications to other body parts such as the knees and lower back later in life. It is easy to treat flat feet in youth through readily available and affordable arch support inserts.
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