Current Pedorthics | July-August 2016 | Vol.48, Issue 4 | Page 22

Pediatric Myth Busters

growing pains occur in the thighs, knees, or calves.
Also, true growing pains usually occur at rest, such
as bedtime, as opposed to during physical activity.
Children are not typically very good historians and
often don’t express themselves well. Some kids that
are experiencing pain may simply avoid activity
and become more sedentary, putting them at risk
of childhood obesity issues. When examining the
child be sure to take a good history from their
parents. Include parental questions such as did your
child crawl, stand, walk, on schedule? Does your
child ask to be picked up and carried frequently?
Does your child hop, skip, jump, appropriately for
their age?

Myth Buster #3:
“Children Outgrow Flat Feet”!
Many times parents are told to wait it out – After all
kids outgrow flat feet right? Not always! Genetics
plays a big role in that determination. If one or
more of your parents has flat feet, you too may end
up with flat feet, and may possibly pass this trait
on to your children. We inherit all of our bodily
features: hair color, eyes, cheek bone structure, body
frame, and as well—the shape of our feet. So if you
want to know if a child will outgrow their flat feet,
then look at their parents’ and siblings’ feet. If there
is a hereditary pattern in the family, it may be wise
to consider orthotic intervention to prevent future
disability, particularly if there is a familial history
of foot or lower limb problems such as bunions, or
other musculoskeletal conditions.

Photo Illustration: © Roberta Nole

Because the "growing pains" are not usually in
the foot, it is often overlooked. Children with flat
feet can experience postural deficits that make it
much harder for them to function efficiently. An
overly pronated foot causes the heels to evert in
standing, the talus to plantarflex and adduct, and
the tibia and femur to internally rotate. Pronated
feet overstretch the posterior tibialis, the deltoid
ligament, the plantar fascia, and many other deeper
ligamentous structures. This creates a mechanically
unstable foundation (foot), further compromising
knee, hip, pelvic, and back alignment (12, 14).

Children suffering from chronic, severe, or frequent
growing pains should be screened for foot pathology
or overpronation. Implementing free pediatric foot
screening in your clinics, at sporting events, or in
school systems is a great way to promote foot health
awareness and simultaneously market your business.
Learning when and how to manage excessive
childhood foot pronation could potentially prevent
lifelong pathology and dysfunction.

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Pedorthic Footcare Association www.pedorthics.org