Flat Feet

You don't say how old your little family member is? Up to about 8 or 9 flat feet in children have a tendency to correct themselves. After that it may cause discomfort.

I would ask a doctor (or podiatrist but they charge). Exercises may be recommended. Actually I remember having to do foot exercises for that reason at primary school. I don't even know if my parents were informed about this suspected flat foot? Certainly didn't have flat feet in later life.

My Dh does not have flat feet but you would think Thor was stamping about upstairs!

I was reading recently that flat feet is no longer classed as a disability but just on the far end of a normal curve.

Many people have flat feet and are totally unaware of it. I believe the condition is not treated unless causing foot or leg pain, or wearing out shoes very quickly. I think it can be hereditary and sometimes associated with some medical conditions, also being obese and just getting older. Don't all DHs stamp about upstairs?

I too had read about the 'flat foot' issue. Evidently its just seen as a variation of foot type and not really a problem that needs correcting. That being said any activity that requires some nimble foot work is always good for strength. Dancing, Gymnastics. Also steer away from dead flat shoes such as ballet style or cheap flip flops.

I think I may have flat feet.
(The painful type!)
I don't think it helps that I have worn flat shoes only for years, but the soles of my poor feet are agonising sometimes.

MissAdventure, if you are of mature years!!! the pain could be plantar fasciitis, its a common problem that can be helped with certain types of insoles.

I was reading a thread about it on here a little while back, Hilda.
It feels as if the soles of my feet are swollen - underneath the arches - a cue for a song there, I'm sure.
I swear I can feel fluid squishing around when my feet meet the ground.

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Thanks all
Nice to know all DHs clomp around upstairs!

The feet in question belong to a little three year old boy.
It became noticeable when he and his brother were spending alot of time bare foot in the garden during the recent hot spell
His brother who is 5 has quite a fine boned arched foot.
Hopefully things will change as he grows.
Agree probably worth mentioning to GP.
I can't see that his feet are causing him any problems at the moment.
He is not over-weight and is extremely agile.

Just wondering if there was a time when having flat feet would automatically fail an armed forces medical or just an urban myth?

I think it was at one time Cherrytree - not that I have ever tried to join the armed forces!

I'm not sure if the arch is developed properly at 3, in fact not until about 5 or 6, but definitely keep an eye on it.

ps I was a very skinny child - it wasn't to do with weight at all.

You're right Jalimal, weight can have nothing to do with it, some of the skinniest people I knew were really heavy on their feet whilst I ( a chubby child and teenager) was always described as 'light on her feet'.

I have always 'clumped' instead of 'glided'
I blame my flat feet.