my daughter is flat-footed. can it be treated by massage?

[Tamuna X]

she is 6 month old and my pediatrician noticed her flat feet. she told me massages are necessary for my baby to be treated but I'm not sure it will help her.

 

[m&m]

Your pediatrician is right, massaging her feet may help. If weak ankles, knock-knees, bowlegs, or toeing in develop, corrective measures may be recommended by the doctor, but most of these conditions resolve themselves over time.

 

[erik s]

First of all, make sure you're correct that it's flat feet (pes planus). If so, don't worry about it. This is normal and common in kids, especially at this age. The arches don't start forming until age 3 and later. If this doesn't self-resolve years from now, try orthotics, see a podiatrist, bla bla bla. For now, don't sweat it, and enjoy your child.

 

[answer man]

Arches don't usually form until age 3. When your daughter begins to walk, encourage her to walk barefoot often on sand or grass. This stremghtens the ligments, tendons and muscle which sustain the arches.