This week’s project is interesting because it highlights one of the most common issues that concerns parents about their children’s feet: they’re flat!
Until about the age of two, it is a normal part of development for a child to be flat-footed, but after that, an arch should begin to emerge (your child may be as old as six before he or she has a truly visible arch.) So, since I'm setting you up to try this project, I also want to help you understand the results you'll receive one the art is hanging up on the wall!
Types of Flat Feet in Kids
There are two types of flat feet that children may have: flexible and rigid. A flexible flatfoot is a condition in which, despite having little or no foot arch, your child is still able to move his or her foot in all directions. It is not a particularly serious condition, although if it persists into the teenage years, your child may start to experience pain along the bottom of his or her foot. If I determine that your child has a flexible flat foot, there are exercises I can teach you that can help limit any discomfort associated with the condition. Additionally, we may want to create a pair of custom orthotics for your child, so he or she doesn’t experience foot fatigue and so that his or her shoes will last longer and wear more evenly (you’re welcome!)
A second type of flat foot, rigid flatfoot, is rare and more serious; kids with rigid flat feet usually have limited range of motion and no arch even when they are standing on their tip-toes. Rigid flat feet are usually associated with discomfort and usually needs medical correction (the condition is often caused by abnormal foot development and bone growth). In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the condition, but I will only make that recommendation if no other treatment options will be successful.
If your child’s foot stays flat, he or she may begin to experience foot pain, have troubles finding well-fitted shoes and may even develop arthritis in certain circumstances, meaning a persistent flat foot warrants a visit to your Houston children’s podiatrist.
Why do I bring this up? Well, depending on whether or not your child’s foot has a visible arch, this week’s project from Crafty Morning will either look like an alligator (arched feet) or a dinosaur (flat feet.) Either way, the directions are the same. Hope you enjoy!
Alligator or Dinosaur Foot Craft
Supplies
- Green paint
- Black Marker
- Googly eye
Directions
- Start by painting your child’s foot with green paint and have them stamp it on a piece of white paper diagonally. Paint the other foot and have them place it down so it looks like a sideways “V.”
- Stick on a googly eye while the paint is still wet so it stays (If you’re making a dinosaur, opt for a larger eye.) Once it dries, grab a black marker and draw some sharp teeth!
Have concerns about your child’s arch development or other foot issues? Give Dr. Andrew Schneider a call and schedule a consultation today!
