List of pediatric symptoms
Growing pains
This is actually an inflammation of the lining of the leg bones. In a hyperpronating foot, the leg muscles must work. This overactivity leads to greater pull of the muscle on the leg bones. After a day of play and once the child gets into bed for the night and is no longer walking/standing, the inflammation set-in and pain ensues. No bone in our body will hurt when it grows.
Flattened arch
This is a very common finding. If the child is sitting with their foot off the floor they have a nice arch, but when they stand the arch flattens. However, hyperpronation can also be present with a high-arched foot.
Out-toed walking
Normally the feet should point straight in front of the legs when walking and if viewed from behind only the fifth toes of the foot should be seen. In a hyperpronated foot usually greater than the fifth toes can be seen. This is referred to "too many toes sign".
Tip-toe walking
This decreases the muscle activity and is more efficient in a hyperpronated foot.
Structural deformities
Many times children have bunions, hammertoes, etc. at a very young age due to the hyperpronation.
Not wanting to wear shoes
Sometimes the shoes will hurt their feet due to the excessive motion occurring, which rubs on the feet causing blisters and pain.
Abnormal shoe patterns
Due to the outward turning of the feet, the outer sole of the shoe tends to wear faster than usual.
Shoe laces coming untied
The excessive motion of the foot causes repetitive pressure to the sides of the shoes, which pull on the laces, and eventually they become untied. Soon, the child may not want to tie their shoes in the first place or will get shoes without laces.
Always wanting to be held or sit down frequently when walking
Walking or standing is exhausting due to the excessive muscle activity. After prolonged walking at the grocery store, shopping mall, or theme park, the child with a hyperpronating foot will want to take very frequent breaks, or if young enough will want to be held.
Poor posture
When the talus deviates, it alters the skeletal system affecting the knees, hips and back. When standing, the back muscles try to compensate for this, but only for short periods of time. Usually a child's shoulders will slump or they cannot stand on both feet for more than a few moments. Parents always try to reprimand the child, but it is futile.
Knee, hip, back, neck symptoms
Any or all of these can be present in a child with a hyperpronated foot. Children should not suffer with these conditions at such a young age unless a deformity is causing this. Normally, these symptoms are associated after weight-bearing activities.
Inactive child
If a child develops symptoms after a period of activity, they will innately cease those activities. The parent will then try to force the child to be more active leading to frustration on both parties.
