Bent flat foot

Arched flat foot is a foot deformity that is particularly common in children and adolescents. The foot tilts inwards (kinked foot) and the arch of the foot lowers (flat foot), which is particularly noticeable when walking.

The flat foot is one of the most common foot deformities in small children and is most common between the ages of 1 and 3 years and therefore when walking begins.

The exact cause is often unclear, but factors such as insufficient foot muscles and connective tissue weakness play a role. Sometimes a genetic predisposition is also involved.

In most cases, it is an acquired deformity that develops with the onset of walking. A congenital form is rarer.

Children with a mild flat foot are often symptom-free. More severe cases can lead to pain or severe abnormal wear of the footwear. In many of these severe cases, walking is less enduring. The children often tire more quickly than their healthy peers.

• Conservative treatment: In many cases, conservative therapy is preferred, in which targeted exercises can help to strengthen the muscles. If symptoms persist or the misalignment is extremely severe, adjustments to the shoe or supportive orthoses can be considered to compensate for the incorrect load.

• Surgical treatment: If conservative treatment does not help sufficiently or the deformity is more severe, surgery may be necessary in exceptional cases. This is usually only considered in later childhood if other measures have not brought the desired success.

• Without treatment: If left untreated, severe fallen arches in particular can worsen over time and lead to permanent foot problems or pain. As the foot is the foundation for the musculoskeletal system, severe deformities can also have an unfavourable effect on the knee and hip joints in the long term.

• With treatment: With early treatment, the prognosis is usually good. With targeted exercises and the right support, many children can achieve a normal foot position without permanent damage.