FLAT FEET IN CHILDREN
Does your child have low arches or roll inwards when walking?
Flexible flat feet are very common in young children as their arches develop. However, when low arches lead to foot fatigue, leg aches, or difficulty keeping up with peers in sports, a paediatric podiatry assessment is recommended
COMMON SIGNS
What to look for in your child's posture
Flat feet in children may show up in various ways:
- Ankles turning or rolling inward when standing (pronation)
- Foot arches appearing completely flat when standing on a hard surface
- Complaining of tired, aching legs or feet after walking or playing
- Shoes wearing down rapidly on the inner edge of the sole
- Clumsiness, frequent tripping, or awkward running style
- Wanting to be carried frequently on family walks
Most children's flat feet are flexible and improve as they mature.
If symptomatic, early orthotic support can dramatically improve comfort.
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UNDERSTANDING CAUSES
Why do children have flat feet?
The foot arch develops gradually through childhood due to multiple factors:
Normal developmental flexibility
Infants and toddlers naturally have fat pads and lax ligaments in the arch.
Joint hypermobility
Increased ligamentous laxity lets the arch flatten under body weight.
Tight Achilles tendon / calves
Tight calf muscles can force the foot to roll inward to hit the ground.
Family history
Foot posture and arch shape are frequently inherited traits.
WHEN TO SEEK ASSESSMENT
When should flat feet in children be assessed?
Arrange a clinical check if your child:
- Complains of foot, ankle, shin, or knee pain
- Has flat feet on only one side (asymmetric)
- Has rigid flat feet that do not form an arch when tiptoeing
- Struggles to keep up with friends during sports
- Shows worsening shoe wear or awkward gait
APPOINTMENT PROCESS
What happens at the clinic?
We assess flexible versus rigid arch posture and gait mechanics
Arch assessment
We check the arch both when sitting and when weight-bearing.
Tiptoe & flexibility test
We ask the child to stand on tiptoes to see if the arch naturally reforms.
Gait analysis
We observe walking and running alignment in motion.
Parental advice & plan
We discuss footwear, stretching, or supportive insoles if appropriate.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Management options for flat feet
Treatment focuses on comfort, alignment, and preventing muscle strain:
Treatment is recommended when flat feet cause pain, fatigue, or functional limitation.
- Paediatric custom orthotics to support arch structure
- Supportive school and sports shoe recommendations
- Calf and arch strengthening exercises
- Gait and alignment monitoring
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OUR CLINICIANS
You'll be seen by our podiatry team
Our clinicians assess paediatric foot posture and provide supportive care for growing children.
Matthew Francis
Clinical Director / Managing Podiatrist
Megan Kelly
General & High Risk Foot Podiatrist
Yaw Nimoh
MSK, Sports & Advanced Practice Podiatrist
Patient Reviews
What our patients say about their care
Real feedback from individuals who have trusted our clinical team with their mobility and foot health.
FAQ
Flat feet in children FAQs
READY TO GET STARTED?
Book a paediatric arch assessment
Book online or request a callback to discuss your child's foot health.