Pediatric Flatfoot


At Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC in New Jersey, Drs. Killian and Chandrani diagnose and treat a wide range of foot problems. Flatfoot is a condition that is seen in both adults and children, though it is referred to as “pediatric flatfoot” in children. When the arch of the foot begins to shrink and ultimately disappears, your child is experiencing pediatric flatfoot. This condition is especially apparent when the child is standing. Don’t wait to have your child’s feet evaluated, as this could cause a whole other host of problems as they grow. The podiatrists at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC have the expertise to help.




Other symptoms of pediatric flatfoot include heels that jut outward, pain or discomfort while walking, a change in gait, and cramping in the feet or legs. There are also two variations of pediatric flatfoot: flexible and rigid. Flexible pediatric flatfoot is where the foot arch reappears when the child sits or tiptoes. Rigid pediatric flatfoot is quite the opposite, where the arch does not reappear no matter what position the child is in.




Most children with flatfoot were born with it, or the condition appeared after a few years have gone by. Flatfoot usually reverses itself by the age of five, though in severe cases, surgery is required. If flatfoot causes your child pain, custom inserts may be used to make him or her feel more comfortable. Stretching and physical therapy have also proven to help relieve pain. It’s important to monitor your child’s condition in case it worsens. Regular checkups with your podiatrist will determine if treatment needs to be adjusted depending on the changing condition of the child’s feet.



Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC is located at two New Jersey locations for your convenience. You can find our Mercerville office at 2103 Mercerville-Whitehorse Rd and our Toms River office at 202 Rte 37 W, Suite 4. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit newjerseyfoot.com, call our Mercerville office at 609-585-3200, or call our Toms River office at 732-557-4266.


 



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