Did you know that children are born flatfooted? The arches of children’s feet only begin to develop at 2-3 years old. By 4-6 years old, the development of the arches are completed. During this period, parents may notice their children walking with their knees and toes pointing inward – known as in-toeing. In-toeing is caused by the development of our leg structures. At birth, the legs of a baby will create an O-shape, known as bowlegs. But not to worry! After a year and a half, the legs will straighten out again.
At 2½ years old, the legs will create an X shape, known as knock-knees, but straighten again at 4-6 years old. But if the arches do not develop properly, children will not grow out of knock-knees, which in turn is likely to create problems with the legs and feet in the future. So what can be done about this?
If your child’s legs have not straightened by 7 years old, we recommend that you use insoles to correct your child’s arches and posture. While children around still young – around 3 to 12 years old – adjustments can be made to aid children’s feet development into normal, healthy feet. Even though insoles can be used to adjust the feet from age 14 and onward, constant use of insoles will be required to maintain the correction. Think of insoles as eye glasses: glasses are made to correct one’s vision, but is only effective so long as the glasses are worn. Similarly, insoles can help correct the feet posture and structure, but only as long as the insoles are constantly used.
How can you tell if your child’s feet are crooked?
Simply have your child stand as they normally would on a flat surface, then look at their feet from behind. The line the heel bone makes is known as the calcaneus line. If the calcaneus line is perpendicular to the ground while the child’s toes are parallel to the ground they are standing upon, then the child’s feet are straight.