Treatment of Flat Feet in

Flat feet means a reduction of the longitudinal and/or transverse foot arch. It is fundamentally important to distinguish physiological flat feet in children under 5 (the arch develops as muscles and ligaments mature and looks flattened in most children before that age) from pathological flat feet that require correction. Without timely diagnosis and treatment a chain of problems forms: foot valgus → knee joint overload → pelvic tilt → spine problems. Diagnostics in Huizhou starts with 3D foot scanning using the Italian system, plantography, and a podoscope examination (a device that visualizes the foot's support area). Additional steps — gait assessment, subtalar range of motion testing, flexibility test (flexible vs rigid flat foot). It is important to differentiate flexible flat foot (the arch disappears under load and returns when unloaded) from rigid (the arch is always absent — this requires more serious workup, including ruling out tarsal coalitions). The main correction tool is custom biomechanical insoles. They are produced from a 3D foot impression using CAD/CAM modeling. These are not pharmacy-counter universal insoles — each pair precisely matches the contour of a specific child's foot with calibrated arch support and pronation zones. According to our observations, such insoles offload the knee and hip joints, reduce spinal load, and aid correct arch development during the active growth period. We add non-slip orthopedic shoes to the insoles (a special sole with five support points, a rigid heel counter, orthopedic upper), therapeutic exercise focused on strengthening short foot muscles (toe grasping, lateral arch walking, balance exercises), and foot/calf massage. Follow-up every 6 months during growth with insole renewal as the foot develops. In children under 7 a well-run program typically forms a normal arch; in older children — stabilizes the situation and prevents complications.