As parents, it’s normal to be concerned about your children’s foot pain. This is especially true if you yourself are struggling with the same kind of problems. That’s why many parents ask podiatrists whether there is a link between foot pain and hereditary factors. To find out, we spoke to podiatrist Dr Marie-Michelle Fecteau.
Can certain podiatric conditions in children be hereditary?
It’s true that some podiatric conditions in children can be inherited from their parents. I’m thinking, for example, of certain malformations or flat feet. However, it should be pointed out that children do not automatically inherit their parents’ foot problems.
In the case of flat feet in children, are they definitely hereditary?
Firstly, every child is born with a flat foot. The arch will take on its definitive shape between the ages of 3 and 5.
If afterwards the foot remains flat, heredity may be the cause, but it’s not automatic. And, as we tell many parents, there are many ways of helping children in this kind of situation.
Is family history a determining factor in this kind of situation?
Of course, if both parents suffer from foot pain caused by their morphology, the child is more likely to inherit it.
Is the mother more likely to pass on problems to her child than the father?
Hereditary problems can be passed on by both mother and father. However, the child may develop certain problems while still inside the mother’s womb. It is possible that the baby’s legs are compressed against the walls of the womb and that he or she lacks space, which can cause a malformation such as clubfoot or tibial torsion.
Can hereditary foot problems be treated?
In the case of foot pain caused by a biomechanical condition, yes, it is possible to help the child. For example, they can be advised to do certain exercises or wear foot orthoses.
Of course, the earlier we have a chance to see the child, the sooner we can help.
Can a parent influence a child’s behaviour?
Yes, absolutely! If a child sees one of their parents walking or sitting in a certain way, they may be inclined to imitate that parent.
It’s completely in a child’s nature to do that. Parents who want to help their children should therefore monitor their posture, the type of shoes they wear and the way they sit.
If both parents suffer from poor podiatric conditions, will the child automatically inherit it?
No, not necessarily. Of course, a child whose parents both suffer from flat foot, for example, is more likely to inherit it too. But it is quite possible for them to enjoy perfectly healthy feet without the slightest pain.
In conclusion, can foot pain be hereditary?
In some cases, yes, it can, but it doesn’t happen all the time. As we tell parents, there’s no point in systematically blaming yourself if your child suffers from the same foot pain as you.
Instead, we advise them to consult a podiatrist. That way, we can quickly find solutions to help your child.