Dr.Artis was so amazing. After going to two other podiatrists who gave me no support or hope, Dr. artis made me feel like there can be change for me. She was so patient, kind and informative. I’m actually excited to go back and get my results.
Flat feet in children generate more parental concern and more clinical disagreement than almost any other pediatric foot condition and for understandable reasons. The majority of young children have flat-appearing feet that are entirely normal for their developmental stage, and the majority of these resolve or become asymptomatic as the foot matures. But a subset of children with flat feet have conditions symptomatic flexible flat feet, rigid flat feet from tarsal coalition, or neurologically-driven deformity that benefit from early intervention, and distinguishing these from the developmental variant requires clinical evaluation that goes beyond observation. At Healthy Feet Podiatry, our NYC podiatrists evaluate pediatric flat feet with a clear framework for when to reassure, when to treat, and when to investigate further.
Pediatric flat feet are classified primarily by flexibility and symptoms. Physiological flexible flat feet the most common type — are present in the majority of children under age six, in whom ligamentous laxity and normal fat pad distribution create a flat plantar appearance in weight-bearing that is entirely normal and expected for developmental stage; most of these feet develop a visible arch between ages six and ten as the musculoskeletal system matures. Symptomatic flexible flat feet flexible flat feet associated with pain, fatigue, activity avoidance, abnormal shoe wear, or an awkward gait represent a category where intervention is appropriate regardless of age. Rigid flat feet in which no arch is visible in any position, including on tiptoe are abnormal at any age and most commonly indicate tarsal coalition (an abnormal bony or fibrous union between tarsal bones) or other structural pathology requiring imaging evaluation. Neurological flat feet associated with conditions such as cerebral palsy, hypotonia, or connective tissue disorders require specialist coordination beyond routine podiatric management.
Pediatric flat feet treatment at Healthy Feet Podiatry is guided by symptom status, flexibility, and age. Asymptomatic flexible flat feet in children under age eight require monitoring and parental education not routine orthotic prescription with the understanding that most will resolve and that OTC arch inserts have not been shown to accelerate arch development. Symptomatic flexible flat feet in children of any age who report pain, tire quickly walking or standing, or are avoiding activity benefit from custom orthotics prescribed to support the arch and reduce medial column overload, supportive footwear guidance, and physical therapy where indicated for calf tightness and intrinsic muscle weakness. Rigid flat feet require imaging weight-bearing X-ray and CT where indicated to evaluate for tarsal coalition; symptomatic coalitions in adolescents that do not respond to conservative management are addressed surgically with resection. All pediatric flat feet patients with neurological associations are co-managed with the appropriate specialist team.
TESTIMONIAL
Dr.Artis was so amazing. After going to two other podiatrists who gave me no support or hope, Dr. artis made me feel like there can be change for me. She was so patient, kind and informative. I’m actually excited to go back and get my results.
Everyone was super friendly. Doctor Rick’s explained everything thoroughly.
Dr Bell was incredibly thorough and personable. Gave me great information and useful information for my next steps. A great experience!
“Fast, professional, and very clean office. I was checked in and seen within 10 minutes of my scheduled time. Dr. Ricks was straight to the point but thorough. The front desk staff was also incredibly helpful.
All of the staff are super welcoming and professional! Bianca took excellent care in getting my X-rays. Dr. Ricks was thorough in explaining my diagnosis and next steps. Highly recommended!!
Well before I came in today to see Dr. Ricks my foot in pain was 9/10 and now I feel good 🙏🏿🤩 thanks
Behind every great care experience is a team that truly listens. Our doctors are committed to understanding your needs, delivering personalized treatment, and supporting you every step of your health journey.
Dr. Farah Alani is a New York City foot and ankle surgeon at To Healthy Feet Podiatry, a boutique podiatry practice located in the heart…
Dr. Alison Bell was born in Manhattan and is a Public Health graduate of Charles R. Drew University. She obtained her medical degree from Kent…
Dr. Roxann Clarke is a graduate of Hampton University in Virginia, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Biology and her Master of Science…
Dr. Ricks is a board-certified fellowship-trained podiatric surgeon committed to delivering top-tier foot and ankle care. From New Jersey, she a Bachelor’s in…
As the Chief Operating Officer of To Healthy Feet Podiatry, Tiffany provides leadership to ensure all administrative are producing optimal results. Dr….
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