Flat feet issues in Children

[dahrjo]

My DS9 has flat feet. They become very sore along the arches when he walks, and when running , his ankles hurt.

We got him a pair of custom made orthotics from the podiatrist. Our insurance told us Twice they were covered. After being billed, thy decided they weren't covered??? We are still working on that issue.

The shoe orthotics were not helping and we went back for an adjustment. Still not much help at all.

Now, we have gone to a orthotic specialist in our area and he says the ones my son received are basically worthless for helping him. He needs much more support in the front and back.

Another pair will be another $450.00 and we haven't paid for the first ones yet.

He mentioned we could try some Anti-pronation shoes, but I can't find these in a Size 6.

Does anyone have any suggestions or experience with this?

Thanks!

 

[Sadie22]

My DS9 has flat feet. They become very sore along the arches when he walks, and when running , his ankles hurt.

We got him a pair of custom made orthotics from the podiatrist. Our insurance told us Twice they were covered. After being billed, thy decided they weren't covered??? We are still working on that issue.

The shoe orthotics were not helping and we went back for an adjustment. Still not much help at all.

Now, we have gone to a orthotic specialist in our area and he says the ones my son received are basically worthless for helping him. He needs much more support in the front and back.

Another pair will be another $450.00 and we haven't paid for the first ones yet.

He mentioned we could try some Anti-pronation shoes, but I can't find these in a Size 6.

Does anyone have any suggestions or experience with this?

Thanks!

First of all, use an in-network provider if you are not already, and do not assume that the billing staff has coded the insurance claim properly. I had problems with the billing staff claiming my son's orthotics were not covered. They were, in full, every time. I'm shocked at the cost of yours.

DS was diagnosed with overpronation in high school. His custom orthotics are made from plaster casts molded to his feet, and result in a hard orthotic extending from under his heel partway to his toes. They're not very thick but have never broken. He has not had many stress fractures since he began using them, but he doesn't run for miles anymore and was very slow to start jogging again.

As a child DS wore nothing but Stride Rite brand shoes. He is an adult now. New Balance shoes were recommended for him by his physician and podiatrist. A brief online check showed NB shoes in children's sizes. If possible go to a New Balance store for fitting or to a store which fits people with foot problems. The styles with the higher numbers are more expensive but have more of the features DS requires. You may be able to get them in black for dressier occasions.

Our entire family wears New Balance now. I usually order mine online as my shoe size doesn't change anymore.

HTH

 

[reagan75]

My DS and I both have flat feet. I cannot wear anythig with an arch. My DS's pediatrician said kids don't even get arches until they are 10.

 

[rhiansmom]

DD has flat feet and her orthotics have never been covered but dont cost nearly $500 ... more like $150 or $200. Maybe that is because we are in Iowa?

We do need to go back and have her evaluated again as she is getting the pain in her legs after nearly a year pain free. Im going to look up the shoes you mentioned and read up!

Good luck.. if he is anyting like my DD the pain is pretty bad!

 

[tinker&belle]

We went through this with DD. I DO know if there are multiple problems, the diagnosis code needs to be something to do with the gait because most insurances won't pay of a flat feet diagnosed code.

 

[Tink2000]

I have flat feet, DH has flat feet and so does DD. I grew up wearing the special shoes that had arches and were to help me. All I remember was how ugly they were and how bad my feet hurt. When you don't have an arch and you put your foot in a shoe with a high arch it just caused more pain for me. My DH never wore special shoes and has not probles with his feet. Once DD came along the shoes had improved in style but we were told to try New Balance also. All 3 of us wear new balance and love them.

 

[marcyinPA]

DS15 has flat feet...they are so bad that his feet protrude where the arch should be, and he nearly walks on his ankles. He is due for a new pair of orthotics, but we haven't made an appointment yet. You need to get a new pair every two sizes, and his feet are growing every day.

The last pair of orthotics we ordered were $500, and NOT covered by insurance. The podiatrist cut me a deal and only charged me $400. That's a lot of money to spend every 2 shoes sizes!!! (which is why we haven't purchased a new pair yet!).

As for shoes, take your son to your local running store and have him fit properly. They will watch him walk and will put him in the appropriate pair of shoes. My DS usually wore New Balance at that age. His feet are flat AND wide. Now, at 15, he wears shoes that are bad for his feet, by his own choice, because he is all about fashion and style. I KNOW he'll come back around again and wear what is comfortable.

When we go back to the podiatrist, we are going to investigate reconstructive surgery again. We looked into it at age 9, but they basically said if he has no foot pain, not to put him through that. Well, now that he's older, and his feet are growing larger (size 12!), he does have some foot pain, has trouble running, and now complains of ankle pain. Plus, he's developed hammer toes.

His feet are a complete mess....