Is flatfoot a problem in children?

Flatfoot in kids is common and most of the time it is really not a problem, which means this leads to a great deal of discussion concerning if it is a normal variance of no consequence or perhaps is the start of a condition that ought to be taken care of. We have seen a large number of debates on this on the web and at meetings, but with no actual general opinion. There are actually firmly held beliefs for both sides of the controversy. A recent episode of the podiatry related chat show, PodChatLive ended up being about this theme. PodChatLive is a weekly live with two hosts who discuss a new topic every month having a different guest or number of guests that is broadcast live on Facebook and then the edited edition is uploaded to YouTube and also the audio edition is made obtainable as a podcast. They already have quite a substantial following within podiatry and people interested in the topics that they go over.

In the final episode on paediatric flat feet the hosts talked to researcher, lecturer and private podiatry practitioner Helen Banwell about the argument and issues concerning the symptomatic Vs asymptomatic flatfoot in children and also pointed out her perspectives when to treat versus when not to. They talked about the value of asking about family history with regard to making that determination. Additionally they talked about conservative versus surgical management and the way to handle concerned and anxious mothers and fathers any time informing to treat or not treat. In addition they discussed the foot orthoses prescribing practices for the young client with flat feet. Helen Banwell is a teacher in podiatry as well as an Academic Integrity Officer for the School of Health Sciences, and Associate Director for the international Centre of Allied Health Evidence (iCAHE) with the University of Adelaide in Australia. Helen is a founding member of Making Strides which is a internet based collaborative for all those working in foot and lower leg development research. She has been a teacher of podiatry at the University of South Australia since 1999, teaching paediatric theory and practical as well as introducing second year podiatry students into their practical clinics.