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Obese Kids Have “Flatter” Feet
“Flat feet” occur when the arches in a person’s feet are flat; while typically painless, occasionally a collapsed arch can cause ankle and knee discomfort, or worsen natural wear-and-tear in the feet.
All babies have flat feet, but as the child grows up the arches naturally develop.
But new research in the International Journal of Obesity says obese children tend to have flatter feet than kids with healthier weights.
Scientists used ultrasound to analyze the feet of 150 children, ages 6 to 10; half the kids were obese and the other half were thinner.
The researchers found obese children had lower arches and more padding on the soles of their feet. But the scientists don’t know if the obese children’s flatter/fatter feet will lead to musculoskeletal problems later in life.
For most cases no special treatment is needed to address flat feet, but if someone does experience pain a doctor may recommend arch supports or physical therapy.
In the past, military studies have shown flat feet did not hinder recruits during basic training; no impact on physical training or injury rates.
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