anyone with experience of flat footed children?

[lucykate]

dd is almost 8, big feet for her age (size 2), and is very flat footed. the assistant in clarks today commented on it, and suggested arch supports.

so, do i need to take her to the gp to sort these out/check she does need them etc, or should i avoid the hell that is even getting a gp appointment these days and just get googling?

go to GP and get referral to paediatric physiotherapist or orthotist

they will assess her and provide what she needs

tbh if she is walking ok and complaining of pain then i would leave it.
some people do have quite flat feet.

my dd does, altho they aren't fixed flat feet. does your dd have an arch when she stands on tiptoes? This means she isn't totally flat footed.

Do you or her father have flat feet? it's genetic.

Mt dd had lots of probs since she was a toddler with her flat feet, they also turned in, in that she was walking on the under arch bitof her foot. Getting shoes to support was a nightmare, things like doodles werea no no.

she is 7 now, and they have improved.

a referral from your gp to your local orthopedic outpatients may help for assesment.

you do need to get this checked - as it can lead to knee and back problems, so as the other post says go to your gp or if you want visit a chiropodist and get thier opinion first.
www.rutlandfootcareclinic.co.uk/

the right foot strengthening exercises should correct this - try ballet etc

arch supports and orthotics won't solve the problem bu exercises will

I think you should get it checked. Ds1 was having a lot of heel and knee pain so I took him to the GP who says he has flat feet. He has been referred and is having a biomechanics assessment the week after next. We had never even realised he had flat feet and he is very sporty. Apparently he will probably have to have inserts in his shoes.

and 'not' complaining of pain i meant to say

My charges have flat feet and they do ballet and ballet type bends and stretches and this has helped. Also seeing an ortho and wearing 'proper' shoes has helped.