What you need to know about your kids flatfeet?

Pediatric (child) flatfeet can be seen at an early age and progressively affect growth, posture, and activity level if left neglected.  Literature and studies have shown that flatfeet in children are progressive and can cause debilitating effects if left, untreated.

Here are 5 must-know facts about children's flatfeet:

1. Genetics are the primary cause - although, there are different etiologies that can result in flatfeet the number one source is typically genetics
2. Foot orthotics are important - The function of those devices is to re-align the foot position and thus better align the other lower extremity joints (knees, hips) and overall posture
3. "Growing pains" is a myth - Very often, do we hear of this term but in reality if your child is suffering from persistent pain to the foot/ankle with notable "limps" and decrease in activity levels, then they need to be examined more carefully.
4. Physical therapy is paramount in treatment - the role of therapy is to stretch the tight calf muscles and strengthen the weaker tendons/muscles, which are affected by the flatfoot deformity.
5. Surgery can help! - Surgery on the pediatric population has shown very good to excellent results in a variety of scientific studies and literature.  The results are predictable and kids have a better long-term function which can avoid them from having debilitating arthritis, knee/hip pain as they get older.

Pre-operative clinical photograph of a child's feet before undergoing flatfoot surgery

Postoperative photograph of the same patient 4 months after surgery.  Note improvement in foot and leg position on the right.

If you have any questions about pediatric flatfeet, their treatment, and surgeries then please consult with your foot and ankle specialist.

Turf Toe

The simplest definition of turf toe is that it is a sprain of the main joint of the big toe. It happens when the toe is forcibly bent up into hyperextension, such as when pushing off into a sprint and having the toe get stuck flat on the ground.
Sprains of the big toe joint became especially prevalent in American football players after artificial turf became more common on playing fields - hence the term "turf toe." Artificial turf is a harder surface than grass and does not have much "give" when forces are placed on it.
Although often associated with football, turf toe occurs in a wide range of sports and activities.

The typical position of the foot when a turf toe injury occurs.

Anatomy
The big toe is made up of two joints. The largest of the two is the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP), where the first long bone of the foot (metatarsal) meets the first bone of the toe (phalanx). In turf toe, the MTP joint is injured.


The MTP joint is the large joint closest to the base of the big toe.

The joint is surrounded by important structures that hold it in place and prevent it from dislocating. Together these structures are referred to as the "plantar complex."
Plantar plate. This thick, fibrous tissue under the MTP joint prevents the big toe from bending too far (dorsiflexion).
Collateral ligaments. Located on each side of the big toe, collateral ligaments connect the phalanx bone to the metatarsal and prevent the toe from going too far side-to-side.
Flexor hallucis brevis. This tendon runs under the first metatarsal bone and attaches to the phalanx. It provides strength and stability to the big toe during push-off motions.
Sesamoids. These two small bones are enveloped in the flexor hallucis tendon, and help it to move more easily. In addition, the sesamoids provide stability to the MTP joint by helping to bear weight placed on the forefoot.

Several structures work together to protect and stabilize the MTP joint.

Description
The term "turf toe" refers to an injury of any soft tissue structure in the plantar complex, such as the plantar plate or a collateral ligament. These injuries can vary in severity — from stretching of the soft tissue to partial tearing, and even total dislocation of the MTP joint.
To help them plan treatment for turf toe, doctors grade the injuries from 1 to 3 - mild to severe.
Grade 1. The plantar complex has been stretched causing pin-point tenderness and slight swelling.
Grade 2. A partial tearing of the plantar complex causes more widespread tenderness, moderate swelling, and bruising. Movement of the toe is limited and painful.
Grade 3. The plantar complex is completely torn causing severe tenderness, severe swelling, and bruising. It is difficult and painful to move the big toe.

We have treated this injury on and off over the years with similar therapy. Rarely does this require surgery, and there is sparse literature which can be referenced to delineate whether grade 1 and grade 3 injuries are specifically nonsurgical or surgical. We have used a combination of PRP injections with hallux extension BK casting for this injury and have found good success. This is a non surgical approach and has had with it some good short term success. But this may still be a devastating injury for most athletes. (Even notable pros such as Deion Sanders, have had career ending versions of this injury).

Flatfeet could slow you down


How is this possible?
The results conducted by the American Podiatric Medical Association concluded that a staggering 73 percent of people asked said that they are suffering from foot pain.

The question is: why has foot pain become one of the most common complaints in the examination room?

For many people, this problem can be caused by one of the following: the kinds of shoes they wear, what activities they participate in, or how their feet are formed. Wearing poorly-fitting shoes can turn minor problems into major ones. People who engage in athletic activities are another segment of the population that are mostly affected by foot pain. Factors such as fallen arches, overpronation, and poor support can all be contributing factors to lower extremity pain. Parents can also be the cause of foot-related problems, because genetics play a role how the foot was formed in the womb. This can enhance the likelihood that someone will suffer from an array of painful foot conditions.

The Mechanics of the Foot
Flat feet can cause abnormal rotation of the feet when walking or running. Our feet handle balance, stability, and bear the weight of the body. The parts of the foot that help to keep the foot in harmony with the body include the arch, heel, tarsals and meta-tarsals. The arch provides stability by the following structures: the tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Pain can result from raised arches or abnormally-low arches, which can cause the foot to rotate abnormally. With high arches, the body’s weight is abnormally emphasized on the outer edge of the foot (oversupination). Conversely, overpronation happens with fallen arches because the weight of the body is concentrated on the inside of the foot, causing the ankles to roll inward .

Serious Foot Issues May Occur with Flat Feet A quick way to see if fallen arches or high arches are an issue is to find a good area where a foot impression can be made, such as on concrete. Immerse on foot in cold water and then stamp your foot onto the dry surface. Then, lift the foot off the ground and see the impression that is left by the foot. A flat foot with overpronation will leave a complete mark where the entire foot has touched the ground. A high arch will leave just a part of the ball of the foot’s outside portion, and heel of the foot. Either of these arch conditions can cause painful bony growths in the heel because the foot has to deal with too much pressure in places it is not intended to handle.

Orthotics Provide Effective Relief for Therapy For Plantar Fasciitis
People suffering from fallen arches, heel spurs, or who need plantar fasciitis treatment can get relief by using the best orthotics available in their shoes. They offer the needed support to fix the weak structures in the foot, such as those that make up the arch. They also offer cushioning in areas where too much pressure occurs, such as in the heel or ball of the foot. Orthotics are available in an array of sizes and types and are made to keep up with anyone’s activity level.

Make an appointment today for more information.