Flat feet refer to conditions where there is no arch in the foot. Normally, there is a curve or arch in the middle inner part of the foot. However, in people with flat feet, the soles of their feet are completely flat, and the middle inner part of the foot makes excessive contact with the ground. The absence of an arch in the foot can lead to excessive strain on the feet and walking problems.
When children are born, the inner part of their feet has thick fatty tissue, so it is possible to say that every child has flat feet. After children reach the age of 3, the arch of the foot gradually begins to develop. The development of the arch in children can continue until the age of 10.
For flat feet in children to be treated, the child must be over 8 years old. For children over 8 years old with flat feet, the process begins with an examination and diagnosis. After the examination, if surgical intervention is required to treat the flat feet, the child is expected to grow a little more. The preferred age range for flatfoot surgery in children is 9-12 years old. In general, the timing of the surgery should be decided based on the child's complaints and the degree of flatfoot.
How is flatfoot treated in children?
Treatment for flat feet in children is expected to be necessary if the child is experiencing problems due to this condition. Treatment may not be necessary for children who are not experiencing any problems. If the flat feet in the child are causing one or more problems, or if it is thought that the condition may progress in the future, treatment may be started.
If the child is experiencing pain, flat foot treatment can begin with the use of insoles. Insoles that support the inner side of the foot are designed specifically for the child. Exercises to strengthen the foot should also be performed along with the use of insoles.
For children with a high degree of flat feet, casting or surgical treatment may be recommended. However, for every child, non-surgical methods such as insoles and exercises should be tried first, and surgery should be considered as a last resort.
How is flat foot surgery performed in children?
The arthroereisis technique is a technique frequently used in Europe for flat foot surgery. With this technique, a screw is placed in the heel bone. The arthroereisis surgical method restricts joint movement and supports the formation of an arch in the foot. Since the heel bone is moving incorrectly, no arch formation is observed. This screw stops the incorrect movement of the heel bone, and over time, an arch begins to form.
For flatfoot surgery in children, a 2-3 cm incision is made from the outer part of the ankle outward. A screw is placed in the talus bone located behind the heel bone. Thanks to the screw, the heel bone moves correctly, and an arch forms in the foot.
Two techniques are used in flat foot surgery in children. The first is the “sinus tarsi implant” technique, in which a screw is placed in the area called the sinus tarsi. The second method is to fix the screw added to the sinus tarsi to the heel bone.
There are three types of implants used in surgery: metal, silicone, or biodegradable. They are used according to the doctor's recommendation when deciding on surgery. Flat foot surgery in children lasts between 15 and 20 minutes. If the child has an Achilles tendon problem, it can be corrected during surgery.
After Flat Foot Surgery in Children
The recovery process after flat foot surgery in children can take 4-6 weeks. During this process, it is important to follow the doctor's recommendations and undergo physical therapy. Regular exercise with physical therapy and rehabilitation after surgery prevents flat feet from recurring in children. Flat foot surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that uses small incisions and allows for rapid recovery.
Putting weight on the feet after flat foot surgery is not a problem. This is actually considered an advantage of this surgical technique. After a few weeks of rest, the child should begin physical therapy exercises and rebuild foot strength. If the screws cause any issues in the future, they can be removed. After the implants placed during surgery are removed, the foot does not revert to flatfoot but has adapted to normal function.