Pediatric bones are soft and pliable. Their bones may be deformed at birth or damaged by constricting shoes, socks, and even bedding. Foot problems in children often go undetected until the child begins to walk. If foot problems are detected early they may be easier to treat. Two of the more common pediatric foot disorders are flat feet and toeing-in.
Many babies appear flat footed because of a large fat pad beneath their arches.
As a child grows their arches form more deeply and the fat pad appears lessened in size. If the arch remains flat, support can be provided by special shoe gear or arch devices. A child s toeing-in has a tendency to improve with age. Severe cases, however, may need the help of casts, correction bars, arch devices, or special shoe gear. Although it is common for children to grow out of many foot deformities, some do not.