Flat Feet Problem

[3Boys]

Flat feet in children is relatively common. If your child is not symptomatic (i.e. not complaining of pain in foot or ankle), you probably shouldn't worry too much about it or try to hard to fix it. Generally, flat feet cannot be 'cured'.


http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/children/parents/special/bone/106.html

A feet 'specialist' is a podiatrist. They are not docs, but may be able to help. Alternatively, go see your paediatrician.

Cheers

[CMF]

My DD had flat feet. When she was around 6 yo I had special customised insoles fitted by one of those \"specialist\" foot consultants - then it was called Two Feet. Now there are several other similar ones around. She wore the insoles for about two plus years - and stopped when an arch on her soles \"formed\". She has no problems with her feet now.


Lately my DH also complained of having foot problems and was informed that it was cos of his flat feet. He was informed that he would need special customised fitted insoles to help alleviate the problem.

He consulted Singapore Foot Centre - http://www.sgfootcare.com.sg/, where they have podiatrists. He found them experienced and effective.

[Adam Ma]

Thanks all for so many info and yes when my son is around 2 years, his pedistrian just said we can observe for a longer whileand give him some special type of shoes (brand name Dr. Kong) to wear since he’s still small.


Now he’s 4, besides the arch in his feet becomes more obviously flat (actually can say is ‘protuding’ out), he also always complains feel tired which now we attribute likely it’s due to his feet problem and affects his gross motor skill development, we think.

I will later bring him to pay a visit for those specialists and if I have other quries, will keep posting at this thread. Thanks you very much to you all again.

[mrswongtuition]

I have flat feet, so does my hb


For me it's very mild, so my mum used to choose shoes designed with special arch (BATA used to have them when I was schooling). As I moved on to sec school, the problem slowly went away.

For hb, he went to polyclinic & got referal to AH. Made special insoles but he found them uncomfortable. Now, he just buys thicker socks & choose shoes which are more comfy.

So far my boy does not have this problem. But when I was travelling in HK last June, I saw off the rack shoes suitable for kids with flat feet. They have a wide range of designs too. But not cheap. Each pair is around S$50+. Can't remember the name offhand but I think the brand has the word \"Doctor\" inside.

[Adam Ma]

Thanks for your sharing and so far your husband don’t feel being ‘flat feet’ brings you any inconvenience?


Does your husband or yourselves easier feel tired or less performaned in sports 'cos of your flat feet problem?

I think the brand you saw in HK is that kind we bought for my son but I don’t see BATA got this kind also or you mean it’s no more nowaday already?

[mrswongtuition]

Adam Ma:

Thanks for your sharing and so far your husband don't feel being 'flat feet' brings you any inconvenience?


Does your husband or yourselves easier feel tired or less performaned in sports 'cos of your flat feet problem?

I think the brand you saw in HK is that kind we bought for my son but I don't see BATA got this kind also or you mean it's no more nowaday already?

For me it was no problem at all. I learnt how to change the way I walk to accomodate my flat feet. I was very active in sports. Did ballet & gymnastics in lower primary, move on to badminton in P4, netball & athletics in P5. In sec sch I joined all the sports events in school & won many medals for long jump & high jump.

For my hb he had quite abit of problems. Due to his flat feet, the 'posture' or his legs was not right, resulting in a loose knee joint. Then due to friction, there's a bone growth in his knee joint. Needs to be removed surgically but he's been delaying it since it does not cause him pain in his regular activities. He avoids all sports expect swimming.

I'm not sure if Bata still has them now as I seldom purchase anything from Bata. But I have a pair of Nikes that has the arch support as part of the design. Good for people with flat feet but I'm not used to wearing it

[hmsg]

I too, have flat feet… the absolutely flat type… when u walk out of bathroom, the footprint is as flat as can be without the arch…


but i guess the discomfort will be there and depends on the tolerance to inconvenience and pain threshold…

I used to run competitively long distance in uni and army… not much issue but takes longer time to recuperate from aches…

New Balance shoes are wider, so better fit… there are some other brands also better for wide/flat feet…

[tree nymph]

Hi!


Me too, I’ve flat feet and my hb also have mild flat feet. Both of us are very active in sports during school and i can still run and swim… hb used to be a swimmer and a youth badmitton player for singapore or something like that. Growing up, i didn’t know i have flat feet, but when i use the normal running shoes, including nikes, i got blisters on the ‘arches’ of my feet! Now i use ascis shoes. very comfortable though it costs a little more.

[Full.010894Cream]

my friend tried those hard half-sole orthotic insoles and claimed his arch has kinda developed after 2 yrs (?). But it’s really very uncomfortable coz it’s half-sole and HARD!!


But I believe having proper arch-insole shd help alot…plenty after market flatfoot insoles these days.

BTW, Adam Ma, what kinda problem is your kid facing?? I didn’t have any problem until I enlist in NS.

[MLR]

DH went to get his ortho insole moulding and consultation yesterday. After a long consultation with the specialist, she mentioned that for boys with flat foot problem, if it is spotted early (b4 age 5) it can be corrected and an arch can actually be formed by wearing special insoles/shoes. Girls, as they mature earlier, it would be b4 age 4.


Apparently, there are many different "types" of flat feet. Some are more of a collasped arch, while those truly flat where there is a prolasped on the inner part of the sole. This is very obvious when she made the mould for DH’s insole. instead of a cut-in on the inner part, there is a extrusion.

DH has been experiencing lots of pain on his heels and also his knees, as his posture is compensating the lopsided position when he stands/walk. He was wearing shoes that are specially made for flat footers, but those were worn out and he started wearing those leather hard soled shoes without an insole for the past few months. At times at the end of a long day, he would actually need to take a painkiller to help relieves the pain.

Will share more info when I get more info when he goes to collect the insoles…