The pediatric foot is not just a smaller version of an adult foot. When a child is born, many of their bones are not present yet and don’t fully develop (ossify) until the child is 5 years old. Until the age of three, most children appear to be flat-footed. This is from a combination of undeveloped bone structure and a thick fat pad in the mid arch.

Around the age of four or five, it should become clear what type of foot a child will have—flat foot, high arch, intoed, etc. For parents, the best way to determine what your biologic child’s foot type will be is to look at your own feet, as many foot deformities are genetic.

There are many foot conditions present from birth that are also pathologic. These include club feet, in-toeing (metatarsus adductus), congenital vertical talus, supernumerary digits (extra toes or toe bones), and congenital dislocated hips, to name a few. These conditions should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent long-term deformity or walking abnormalities.

If you suspect that your child may have a congenital or progressive foot condition, call Anchorage Foot & Ankle Clinic. We’ll help get your kids back to doing what they do best — being kids!