Flat Feet - just noticed in 5.10 yo DS who previously had CDH

[dollybird]

DS had CDH when he was born and closed hip reduction at 1yo. He has had the all clear at the last two check-ups and the next one is due in August. However, we've recently noticed that his feet are really flat and he seems to roll his ankles in(esp the right one). I wouldn't normally worry as I'm pretty sure my mum has flat feet and nothing was ever done about it, but just a bit concerned it could be linked to his hips? Any thoughts? thanks

My ds has flat feet. The doctor at the hospital said it was because of his hyper mobility (bendy joints) and lose ligaments. He has to have insoles in his shoes. His ankles turn inwards, his shoes become bent at the sides because of the way he walks. His legs ache sometimes.

Not sure whether to wait till his next check-up in August to mention it or go to the gp. It doesn't seem to bother him at all, but I tend to be paranoid about these things meaning his hips have gone again and that he'll need further treatment.

It should be ok but if you are worried you should contact your gp. I'm unsure whether this would affect his hips, I know it will do when he'e in his 20s if left untreated though. He probably just needs some insoles but given his past history I'd see the GP. I hope all goes well.

thanks, I've made an appointment so fingers crossed!

anyone know where you can get insoles from? DD (9) walks terribly - flat feet (inherited from me sadly), pigeon-toed and has a tendency to toe walk, though not so bad if wearing shoes next to a nagging mum! Is this something I should have got a referral for years ago?

You have to go to the gp for a referal for your child to see a orthopaedic doctor. The doctor will then refer the child to the rehab unit so that they can make the insoles. They have to go into every pair of shoes the child wears and have to be replaced when the child has bigger shoes.

OK should I do this? Is it really necessary?

Yes. In later life your little one can get painful hips, joint problems and possible scoliosis. My friends a physio. The insoles have to be made to fit the child or else they will be no use. They are specially designed to support the feet and encourage the fallen arches and tendons to tighten up. You can leave it but if your child is 9 then it is probably not going to change. Some toddlers with fallen arches do not need any treatment, I took my ds to the gp as he was always complaining of pain in his legs, ankles and feet, he finds it hard to walk long distances and he kept falling over. In my opinion it is necessary.

Seek advise while childs joints & ligaments are nice and mobile - more chance of successful & painless correction. Poor gait may not seem a problem now but can be in adulthood. See GP for referral to orthotic department or podiatry department of local hospital. Alternatively you can see an orthotist or podiatrist privately, though this can prove expensive esp as child still growing. Titchy/dollybird where do you live - may be able to give you some contact details of companies in your area if interested. In the mean time, if circumstances allow, spend a little more on one good pair of boots (startrite V good) perhaps school footwear or trainers for summer? These often have better & higher ankle stiffeners than standard & will help support good foot position.

hi, just a quick update. Saw GP last week. She checked DS's hips and said they looked fine, but she is going to write to his consultant. He may want to see him or may just refer him straight to the orthotics people so I will wait & see. She says his right foot definitley rolls in and he will need an insole for that foot. Knowing what his consultant is like, I expect he will want to see him for himself! His regular check-up isn't till August.

Vicsta, funnily enough the problem is more noticeable in his school shoes than his cheap trainers!