What is flat foot and why does it happen in children?

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Flat feet in children often occur not because the foot is damaged or malformed, but because the child has not yet learned how to control the foot properly during movement. 

In growing children, flat feet are most commonly a functional and coordination issue, rather than a fixed structural problem.

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While some children with flat feet may not complain of pain, may experience:

• Easy fatigue when walking or running

• Foot, leg or knee discomfort

• Poor balance or frequent tripping

• Abnormal walking or running patterns

These signs often reflect poor load control, not foot weakness alone.

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Our Core Approach: First Ray Control Framework

 

​The First Ray Control Framework is the core training approach used in restoring the foot arch of children with flexible flat feet.

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Instead of relying on insoles or external support, the First Ray Control Framework focuses on teaching the nervous system how to control the foot under load during daily movement.

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Learning is introduced progressively, using slow, controlled movements to allow true motor learning to occur.

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What makes this method different?

 

We focus on a critical but often overlooked area of the foot: The area under the big toe (first metatarsal head) - a key role in stabilising the foot and allowing the arch to form naturally during weight-bearing movement.

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This area acts as the foot's main control and stability point:

• When used correctly, the arch forms naturally

• When not used properly, the arch collapses under body weight

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The First Ray Control Method trains children to:

• Load this area correctly

• Stabilise the foot under gravity

• Maintain arch control during movement

 

We do not "force the arch up", we teach the foot how to organise itself under gravity.

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A structured, step-by-step training program

 

The Pediatrict Flat Feet Gait Retraining Program follows a progressive, child-friendly structure, allowing skills to develop safely and naturally. 

The program follows a neural learning progression, where control is developed first without load, the gradually under gravity, speed, and complexity.​

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Stage 1: Lying Down Mode (Static + No Body Weight)

​Children are guided to explore basic foot movements precisely, at non-weight-bearing position.

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Stage 2: Sitting Mode (Static + Minimal Weight-Bearing)

​Children learn basic arch awareness with minimal weight-bearing, building correct foot & ankle sensation and control.

(Stage 1-2: Learn awareness and control without full body weight)

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Stage 3: Standing Mode (Static + Gravity Influence)

​Children practise activating arch control while standing, gradually adapting to body weight.​​

(Stage 3: Introduce gravity)

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Stage 4: Walking Mode (Dynamic + Gravity + Slow Speed)

​Controlled walking is introduced, reinforcing proper foot loading and heel-to-toe movement.

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Stage 5: Squatting Mode (Multi-joint dynamic + Gravity + Slow Speed)

​Squatting activities improve foot stability while coordinating the ankle, knee, and hip. 

​​(Stage 4-5: Develop controlled movement under load)

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Stage 6: Jumping Mode (Multi-joint dynamic + Gravity + Fast Speed)

​Dynamic jumping helps build automatic foot control and muscle memory.

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Stage 7: Running Mode (Multi-joint dynamic + Gravity + Fast Speed)

​Children learn to maintain proper foot mechanics during running and higher-speed activities. ​

(Stage 6-7: Automate control during faster, multi-joint avtivities)​​​​

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Who is this program suitable for?

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This program is designed for children with flexible flat feet, where:

• The ankle and foot joints can still move freely

• The arch appears when non-weight-bearing 

• There is no rigid structural deformity

Hence, this program is not suitable for rigid or structural deformities.

 

Each child undergoes an individual assessment, and the training is adjusted based on age, coordination level and progress. 

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Program duration and format

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• Program duration: approximately 3 months

• Session frequecy: one session every two weeks

• Most children require at least 5 session to complete the full program

​(The number of sessions depends on how quickly the child learns and retains control, not on a fixed timetable.)

 

Parents are guided on how to support progress between sessions.

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Important note for parents

 

The First Ray Control Method is a training and learning approach, not a comestic correction or a quick fix.

 

Progress depends on:

• Correct guidance

• Repeated quality practice

• Gradual skill development

 

Our focus is on long-term foot function, not short-term visual changes.

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In one sentence

 

Children do not need their feet to be "held up".

They need to be taught how to use them correctly.

 

This is the philosophy behind the Neural Based-Learning First Ray Control Framework. 

 

Method ownership & development 

First Ray Control Method

Developed by SpineCare Engineering Sdn Bhd 

Method Author: Kau Jan Yeow 

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