Orthotics for 3 year old with flat feet?

[Anonymous]

Is it needed? She has worn them for a year. I don't recall even who pointed it out to us that she had flat feet. All I know is we got her sneakers recently that we can't put orthotics into and she can actually put them on herself. With the orthotic I have to help. (Yes, the shoes are the right size to fit an orthotic). I don't notice any difference in how she walks with or without orthotics and she does not complain of pain without them. I brought this up once before with the PT who fits the orthotics and she got defensive so I don't want to bring it up again. So...keep em or ditch em? They are expensive and we will need a new pair soon. Will it affect the rest of her body if she doesn't wear orthotics?

[Anonymous]

The PT should have been able to clearly explain why orthodics were needed and to show you the change in foot/ankle/leg/back alignment with them in her shows as opposed to without them. If your DD truly has flat feet, she absolutely needs orthodics. However, I would look for a second opinion. My three kids and I all wear orthodics. My youngest (now 4) was the first to get them and has been wearing them since he was 15 months. He started in bilateral DAFOs that when almost to his knees. We've been getting our shoes at Shoe Train for the last year and on a visit last month, we saw Ed for the first time. He actually lived up to all the hype. We ended up getting new orthodics for two of our kids and with his explanations, it was easy to see why a change would benefit them. That's who I'd recommend you go for a second opinion.

[Anonymous]

I would consult with an orthopedist just to make sure. My ds has 'flat feet' that are pronated, and we were told that if we do not have him in orthotic support while his feet are still developing, he might have some foot trouble when he's older. It's best to support them while they are young.

[Anonymous]

Is this really true? I wore orthotics when I was young, throughout my elementary years, and I still have flat feet. I would love to see some studies on this because I'm skeptical. Flat feet are caused by loose ligaments. You can support them, but I don't see how you cure them. I run and would have problems now if I didn't have orthotics in my running shoes, but otherwise I don't see what the problem is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is this really true? I wore orthotics when I was young, throughout my elementary years, and I still have flat feet. I would love to see some studies on this because I'm skeptical. Flat feet are caused by loose ligaments. You can support them, but I don't see how you cure them. I run and would have problems now if I didn't have orthotics in my running shoes, but otherwise I don't see what the problem is.

Is what really true? No one said flat feet could be cured but not providing support can lead to other problems.

Flat feet can be caused by many other things than loose ligaments, that's why it's critical to have them evaluated by someone who can determine the cause and what the impact may be. My kids wear orthodics even though they have no foot problems right now but they have low muscle tone (hypotonia) and we have a family history of foot/ankle problems that we hope to spare our kids. As they get older, their ligaments will tighten and by wearing orthodics their foot and ankle structures are more likely to be in a correct position as that happens.

[Anonymous]

Flat feet (especially with pronation) can be a concern, and you should be able to observe how flat her feet are as well as ankle pronation if it exists. They also should be able to tell you the cause and severity, as well as which orthotics are best and how they work. You may wish to talk it over with them, and if you're not sure get a second opinion.

However, I have flat feet with pronation and never wore orthotics as a child. It doesn't seem to affect my gait or how I walk, you only notice it when you are looking at my feet and ankles while I'm standing and walking. According to my doctor when I was in high school I had the flattest feet he's ever seen.

Flat feet/pronation can affect the ankles, knees, hips, and back. I have had problems with all three, and when I run I wear running shoes with ankle support/motion control. Other then that I don't wear orthotics of any kind and I actually hate shoes - I prefer to be barefoot or wearing flip flops.