Foot Health and Autism: The Hidden Connection

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often experience musculoskeletal issues, including flat feet. This link can be explained by several factors.

1. Atypical Gait and Balance Issues in Autism
   Children with autism frequently show alterations in gait, such as reduced or increased step width, toe-walking, and slower walking speeds. These variations lead to uneven foot pressure, contributing to arch collapse. Additionally, reduced muscle tone (hypotonia) and proprioceptive dysfunction exacerbate the problem.
2. Sensory Characteristics
   Heightened sensitivity to surface textures or footwear may cause children to avoid walking barefoot or to wear inappropriate shoes, disrupting natural foot arch development. For instance, some children refuse shoes with firm soles, which limits proper foot support.
3. Associated Genetic Syndromes
   Joint hypermobility, commonly seen in autism, may indicate connective tissue weakness, including in the foot ligaments. Research suggests that 15% to 50% of children with ASD exhibit joint hypermobility, increasing the risk of flat feet. Some children prefer to lie down or sit for long periods due to chronic fatigue or sensory overload, weakening the muscles of the feet and lower legs.

Preventing Flat Feet and Its Complications (Osteoarthritis, Scoliosis)

A comprehensive approach is essential:

1. Orthopedic Support
   • Custom orthotic insoles: Designed to match the foot’s structure, they help distribute pressure and improve walking biomechanics.
   • Proper footwear: Should feature a firm heel counter, flexible sole, and small heel (up to 4 cm). Avoid narrow shoes or those with flat soles.
2. Physical Exercise and Therapy
   • Muscle strengthening: Exercises like picking up small objects with toes or walking on heels improve muscle tone.
   • Proprioceptive training: Balance cushions or walking on uneven surfaces (e.g., sand, massage mats) stimulate sensory input.
   • Swimming and aquatic therapy: Reduce joint strain and strengthen muscles.
3. Lifestyle Adjustments
   • Weight management: Excess weight increases foot pressure. Nutrition and physical activity should be monitored.
   • Regular breaks: During long periods of sitting or standing, changing positions and doing leg stretches is recommended.
4. Medical Supervision
   • Early diagnosis: Regular check-ups with an orthopedist and neurologist help detect early signs of flat feet. Footprint tests can reveal arch collapse.
   • Physiotherapy: Massage, manual therapy, and osteopathy improve circulation and joint mobility.
5. Environmental Adaptation
   • Sensory solutions: For children who avoid certain surfaces, soft rugs or shock-absorbing shoes can help.
   • Motivating movement: Encouraging active games or even stair climbing promotes motor activity.

Studies confirm that using orthopedic insoles and physical exercises improves gait and reduces the risk of flat feet. For best results, it is essential to consider the child’s individual needs and combine medical, physical, and behavioral interventions.

Clubfoot and Autism: A Separate Yet Relevant Concern

Clubfoot is a congenital orthopedic deformity involving foot misalignment. It most often occurs independently of autism or other disorders, though it may also be part of syndromes linked to genetic conditions.

In rare genetic diseases (e.g., Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome or chromosomal anomalies), both neurological symptoms—including autism—and physical deformities like clubfoot may appear. However, they are typically caused by different mechanisms. Still, their potential co-occurrence justifies a comprehensive evaluation to rule out genetic factors and create a tailored treatment plan.

Innovative Treatment: Preventing Flat Feet and Clubfoot Through Root-Cause Elimination

It’s possible to prevent the development of flat feet and clubfoot in children with autism by addressing the underlying neurological dysfunctions that cause abnormal gait patterns. One of the most effective and rapid methods is innovative cellular therapy, which involves the transplantation of stem cells. These cells transform into healthy equivalents of damaged ones, restoring function.

As a result, the brain and nervous system regain proper perception and response abilities. Behavior stabilizes, developmental progress accelerates, and symptoms either diminish significantly or stop interfering with daily life. The positive effects are long-lasting—often lifelong—enhancing the effectiveness of all other correction methods.

• Minimally invasive and safe: Cells are derived from the patient, eliminating immune rejection.
  • Natural mechanism: The therapy stimulates the body’s own regenerative capacity.
  • Superior effectiveness: Far more impactful than traditional approaches in treating autism and its physical symptoms.

This advanced technology is gaining global recognition and is offered by leading medical centers, including the Mardaleishvili Medical Center. Their highly trained specialists, extensive experience, and state-of-the-art equipment ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes. Treatment costs in Georgia are more affordable than in other countries with developed healthcare systems. Additionally, the center supports patients during the preparation phase, including travel planning and rehabilitation arrangements.

Use stem cell therapy—and your child’s gait will improve!