Flat Feet?

[Katy Belle]

My DS13 has flat feet. He has started having trouble with pain the last 2 years or so. Not all the time, but after long days walking on his feet. Mostly ankle pain, but I think it could be caused by his feet.

He is going on a Boy Scout hike this summer in New Mexico, for 12 days, 60+ miles. I think he may need inserts or something, for his hiking boots.

Would you take him to a Podiatrist or an Orthopedist? We just moved here recently, so we don't really have Drs set up yet. He has an appointment for a physical with a Pediatrician, but not for a few weeks. I think I need to make an appointment for the feet as well.

Thanks!
Katy

 

[DisneyOHFan]

Podiatrist for sure. They can fit him for an insert. I walk in the Susan G Komen 60 mile walk and having proper inserts has made a HUGE difference.

 

[anniemae]

I would say a podiatrist. They will be able to evaluate his feet and how he walks and correct his gait. He may be walking in such a way that his ankles are bearing the brunt. He may be fitted for custom inserts.

 

[NaLisa]

I would consult with a pediatrician first. Many insurance companies require a pediatrician's referral before seeing a specialist.

And I don't mean to alarm you, but here's my story on the subject:

MY DD7 has the flattest feet I've ever seen; the outsides of her feet are actually off the ground when she's walking barefooted. I'd always ask her doctor about it but he wasn't worried.

To (attempt to) make a long story short, another doctor finally noticed that her shoulder blades aren't even and that she's hyper-flexible. Her referred her to an orthopedist for X-rays, and it was determined that has a slight case of scoliosis, which is regularly monitored. She was also referred to a geneticist to determine if she might have Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hyper-flexibility type), then a cardiologist for a baseline EKG on her heart. She's always been a super healthy child and it was a very worrisome time for her dad and I.

She had not been positively diagnosed with EDS but it appears likely. Hers is a mild case, and I think the scoliosis is the biggest concern. It's remained the same in the last two years, but I've been told that as she approaches adolescence and experiences more growth spurts, we'll need to really keep an eye on things. That's when scoliosis can really progress and we may need to take action (e.g. brace) against it.

So while flat feet is usually not anything to worry about, it definitely warrants a conversation with your pediatrician for further examination and testing.

 

[Christine]

Podiatrist.

I injured my ankle last year and went to a orthopedist. I was diagnosed with posterior tibial tendonitis (definitely flat feet cause this). The ortho told me that if it was chronic, I needed to see a podiatrist for it as they specialize in that.

Get your son some orthotics to prevent this from becoming a permanant issue that requires surgery (that's what I will need). The orthotics have really helped me A LOT.

For what it's worth, I have heard that the Timberland hiking books do very well for ankle pain caused by flat feet. They are very supportive of that area and many people with my condition wear them daily.

 

[Katy Belle]

Thanks everybody! I knew The DIS would have some help for me.

The podiatrist here has a good reputation. He does his own commercials and has a mullet but Im sure he is a good Dr. Our insurance doesnt require a referal, so i will make the appointment today.

Thanks!

 

[l_mccafferty]

I have flat feet and I also have the hypermobility mentioned by another poster above.
I know I'm in the UK, so it might be different but I had a referral from my doctor to the orthopedic clinic and I was examined and my feet were cast for insoles.

The insoles were made of very hard plastic and actually hurt to walk with!
If he does need insoles (which he probably does) just make sure the material isn't too hard.

Last time I was in Orlando, I bought a pair of scholl gel correction insoles and they were really good

HTH
Laura

 

[minniebeth]

My DS13 has flat feet. He has started having trouble with pain the last 2 years or so. Not all the time, but after long days walking on his feet. Mostly ankle pain, but I think it could be caused by his feet.

He is going on a Boy Scout hike this summer in New Mexico, for 12 days, 60+ miles. I think he may need inserts or something, for his hiking boots.

Would you take him to a Podiatrist or an Orthopedist? We just moved here recently, so we don't really have Drs set up yet. He has an appointment for a physical with a Pediatrician, but not for a few weeks. I think I need to make an appointment for the feet as well.

Thanks!
Katy

In addition to figuring out what will work best for him, make sure his hiking boots are good quality, it will make all the difference in the world. Make sure he gets his boots branded with the Philmont symbol, it's a tradition! Best wishes to your DS for a great trip this summer, my DS did it 2 years ago and will go again next summer. It's a fantastic experience!

 

[Christine]

I have flat feet and I also have the hypermobility mentioned by another poster above.


HTH
Laura

Most people with flat feet have the hypermobility. My doctors called it "laxity". My tendons are lax and loose therefore they don't hold the joints tight. This causes the foot to fall inwards. It also allows for my kneecaps to really move around.

It's just a "body type" so to speak and kind of common with the endomorph body type.

 

[Rora]

DH has flat feet. He has seen a podiatrist since he was little!

 

[Sadie22]

This is great that you are being proactive on this before training for the hike causes problems for your son. My DS was preparing for a high adventure trip when his overpronation was discovered for the first time, after he had stress fractures from jogging. There wasn't time to heal before the big trip. He saw a podiatrist and was fitted with custom orthotics. He was also referred to a specialty shoe store for people with foot problems. They recommended New Balance athetic shoes. He has since been fitted with New Balance running shoes and is jogging again, although his preferred exercise is biking (less chance of stress fractures).

 

[Katy Belle]

This is great that you are being proactive on this before training for the hike causes problems for your son. My DS was preparing for a high adventure trip when his overpronation was discovered for the first time, after he had stress fractures from jogging. There wasn't time to heal before the big trip. He saw a podiatrist and was fitted with custom orthotics. He was also referred to a specialty shoe store for people with foot problems. They recommended New Balance athetic shoes. He has since been fitted with New Balance running shoes and is jogging again, although his preferred exercise is biking (less chance of stress fractures).

Interesting! My other two sons wear New Balance shoes, because they have wide feet and New Balance has good wide widths. DS13, the one with flat feet, has such narrow feet that he's always worn Adidas and Nike, because they are more narrow fitting. He did spend two days at an Amusement Park wearing the new Nikes and had NO pain. Unusual for him.

 

[momrek06]

My DS13 has flat feet. He has started having trouble with pain the last 2 years or so. Not all the time, but after long days walking on his feet. Mostly ankle pain, but I think it could be caused by his feet.

He is going on a Boy Scout hike this summer in New Mexico, for 12 days, 60+ miles. I think he may need inserts or something, for his hiking boots.

Would you take him to a Podiatrist or an Orthopedist? We just moved here recently, so we don't really have Drs set up yet. He has an appointment for a physical with a Pediatrician, but not for a few weeks. I think I need to make an appointment for the feet as well.

Thanks!
Katy

Ahhhhh, PHILMONT! I am guessing that is where he is headed! He will have the time of his life. Philmont is the boy scout's dream trip! My DS went to Philmont as a scout 2x and then after he received his Eagle, went back and worked the summers 2008 & 2010 as a Ranger. Your DS will come home with the most amazing stories! AND he will want to go back again and again!

Make sure he has really good hiking boots. The terrain is intense and the weather can go from very hot to very cold as they hike over hill and dale. If he is planning on getting new hiking boots, take a look at some of the high end stores like REI. They will fit him properly. Then make sure he breaks them in real good before he leaves for Philmont.

My DS would give anything to head back there this summer but he is in law school and his summer will be spent as a law intern. He knew last summer was his last summer there and as a Ranger, he was there from April-August. Memories he will have forever!

 

[rie'smom]

My daughter has flat feet. Cheerleading and tumbling are no problems but running and walking long distances are. The orthopedist recommended physical therapy. She started that and has inserts which have helped a lot.

 

[Katy Belle]

Ahhhhh, PHILMONT! I am guessing that is where he is headed! He will have the time of his life. Philmont is the boy scout's dream trip! My DS went to Philmont as a scout 2x and then after he received his Eagle, went back and worked the summers 2008 & 2010 as a Ranger. Your DS will come home with the most amazing stories! AND he will want to go back again and again!

Make sure he has really good hiking boots. The terrain is intense and the weather can go from very hot to very cold as they hike over hill and dale. If he is planning on getting new hiking boots, take a look at some of the high end stores like REI. They will fit him properly. Then make sure he breaks them in real good before he leaves for Philmont.

My DS would give anything to head back there this summer but he is in law school and his summer will be spent as a law intern. He knew last summer was his last summer there and as a Ranger, he was there from April-August. Memories he will have forever!

In addition to figuring out what will work best for him, make sure his hiking boots are good quality, it will make all the difference in the world. Make sure he gets his boots branded with the Philmont symbol, it's a tradition! Best wishes to your DS for a great trip this summer, my DS did it 2 years ago and will go again next summer. It's a fantastic experience!

Yes! Philmont! My DH and DS16 are going too. They are all excited, but DS13 is the most excited! He will turn 14 right before the trip, so he barely makes the cut-off for age. I'm sure he will want to go again, and he can when his younger brother goes! I really want him to be successful and not in pain, since this is really his thing.

Thanks for the help everybody!

 

[mamacatnv]

My DS has flat square feet and Plantar Fasciatis (sp?)
He discovered Vibram 5 fingers and now wears them for everything including running, hiking etc. He is running a 200 mile relay in June all in his Vibrams

We did the orthotics etc and while they provided relief he still had some issues. Since he got used to wearing the Vibrams, no issues with foot, leg or low back pain.

http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/index.htm

 

[Katy Belle]

My DS has flat square feet and Plantar Fasciatis (sp?)
He discovered Vibram 5 fingers and now wears them for everything including running, hiking etc. He is running a 200 mile relay in June all in his Vibrams

We did the orthotics etc and while they provided relief he still had some issues. Since he got used to wearing the Vibrams, no issues with foot, leg or low back pain.

http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/index.htm

DS has wanted those for a few years! I thought they wouldn't be good for him because if he goes barefoot for a whole day, he's in pain. I will keep them in mind!

 

[3boymthr]

Youngest DS was diagnosed with flat feet at the age of 3. We had to have inserts made because they were starting to cause curvature of the spine. As PP mentioned also make sure he is seen by your pediatrician and if recommended an orthopedist, especially if he is in a lot of pain. He may be having spinal problems as well. FWIW - the school nurse might be able to spot check his spine for you I know ours does.

 

[mamacatnv]

DS has wanted those for a few years! I thought they wouldn't be good for him because if he goes barefoot for a whole day, he's in pain. I will keep them in mind!

They take some breaking in - you have to retrain the muscles in your feet. Beware of counterfeits, go to a high end running store or sporting goods store such as Scheels or Rei - the difference they have made for DS has made a believer out of me.
There are also several discussions here on the Dis regarding the Vibrams - I'd post the links if I knew how try a search, I think there was a discussion just last week

 

[Maridw]

I was diagnosed with flat feet last year. They gave me inserts for my shoes but said to make sure the insoles for the shoes can be taken out because the inserts they gave me are full insole inserts. They recommended not putting them in on top of the insoles that come in the shoes.

I roll in and have severe ankle pain if I don't wear shoes with inserts. My inserts are not custom, but my DD had custom inserts because she rolled in too, but also had hyper-mobility in her knees. She could lay on her stomach with her knees together and lay her legs (from her knees down) flat out to the sides. _||_ It would freak everyone out. That was kind of her stupid party trip.