When choosing exercises to improve the alignment of the foot and ankle in a child it is important to keep in mind that children with flexible flat feet often have poor flexibility and strength in the hip muscles as well as poorly developed balance responses in the ankle muscles. (Read more about flexible flat feet)
A good training program addresses all these aspects.
Planning you child's training program
Set aside 10-15 minutes a day to do the exercises.
Make a real commitment to do at least 5 exercises each date. Try not to skip days - even if it means doing only 1 or 2 exercises on busy days.
Do all the exercises each week
Work on 1-2 exercises from each of the three sections each day. Alternate the exercises so that you do them all at least twice a week.
Exercises to include in your child's fat foot training program
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Active stretching exercises
Stretching the iliotibial band
There are three exercises for stretching the iliotibial band. Do each exercise at least 3 times per week.
Activities for training standing balance on one leg
Standing on one leg with foot and hand support
Learning to balance on one leg
Activities for strengthening the leg muscles
Stepping up and down (step-ups)
Exercises to train foot balance responses
To train awareness and active correction of foot posture and foot balance exercises
Training foot posture, ankle muscle strength and balance responses
A word of caution
Remember to consult your child's health professional before starting an exercise program. This is particularly important if your child is experiencing pain.
If your child is seeing a physical therapist, be sure to talk to her about any exercises you want to add to the exercises that have been prescribed.
