Do Flat Feet in Children Actually Need

Your child’s feet do a lot of work every day. Think of every step, run, and jump they take! And it’s the arches in the feet that help absorb impact and distribute force as their feet meet the ground. 

Healthy arches act like natural shock absorbers, supporting balance, movement, and proper walking mechanics.

The foot actually contains three interconnected arches — the inner, outer, and crosswise arches — that work together to keep the foot flexible and efficient. 

When arches are very low or absent, your child’s foot may not manage impact as well, which can affect comfort, posture, and gait over time.

At Premier Foot & Ankle Center in Worcester and Whitinsville, Massachusetts, our team supports healthy feet in people of all ages. Read on to learn more about the development of the arches in the feet and whether you should consider getting your child’s feet evaluated.

Flat feet are common in young children

Flat feet are completely normal in babies and toddlers. Since infants aren’t walking yet, their feet don’t need arch support, and the arch is hidden beneath a natural fat pad.

As children begin walking, arches often start to form between the ages of two and three. For some kids, arch development happens later, and sometimes not until age ten. By adolescence, most children will have visible arches.

Some children also have flexible flat feet, meaning an arch appears when the foot is relaxed but flattens when standing. This is a common variation and is often not a cause for concern.

When flat feet may need attention

In many cases, flat feet don’t cause symptoms and don’t require treatment. However, we recommend evaluation if your child’s flat feet are associated with discomfort or problems elsewhere in their body.

Possible signs that flat feet may be affecting your child include:

• Foot or ankle pain
• Shin splints
• Changes in walking or running patterns
• Development of bunions or hammertoes
• Knee, hip, or lower back pain
• Frequent ankle sprains

Children with flat feet may also be more prone to repetitive stress injuries due to reduced shock absorption.

Another reason to seek evaluation is if your child once had arches that now appear to have collapsed. This may indicate fallen arches, which should be assessed by a specialist like those on our team.

How we evaluate flat feet in children

If your child experiences symptoms related to flat feet, our podiatry team performs a thorough evaluation. This includes a visual and hands-on examination of the foot, as well as an assessment of gait and alignment.

When needed, we may use imaging studies such as X-rays to evaluate bones, tendons, and ligaments inside the foot to better understand the underlying structure.

Treatment plans for flat feet

Most children with symptomatic flat feet respond well to conservative care, such as improving strength, flexibility, and overall foot function.

Our podiatrists may recommend:

• Physical therapy to strengthen and stretch the feet and lower legs
• Custom orthotics to support the arches and improve shock absorption
• Temporary use of over-the-counter pain relief for activity-related discomfort

We don’t generally recommend long-term medication for flat feet.

In rare cases, flat or fallen arches may be associated with congenital conditions or injury. These cases may require additional interventions such as bracing, casting, or, in exceptionally rare cases, surgical correction.

The vast majority of children with flat feet don’t need invasive treatment and can remain active and pain-free with proper monitoring.

Schedule a pediatric foot evaluation

If your child is experiencing foot, leg, or joint pain, or if you’ve noticed changes in the way they walk, an evaluation at Premier Foot & Ankle Center can help determine whether flat feet are contributing.

Our experienced podiatrists provide personalized pediatric foot care and work closely with families to ensure children stay comfortable, active, and supported as they grow. Call today or use the online tool to book your appointment.