Flat feet in children

In summary: in childhood, having a low arch is usually normal and resolves on its own. We do not prescribe insoles as a routine: we provide follow-up and act only if we detect pain or a specific reason. Often the conclusion is reassuring.

Flat feet in children generates a lot of worry for families, but here is an important idea: in childhood, having a low arch is normal in many cases. The arch of the foot forms over the years.

Our job is not to prescribe insoles as a routine, but to distinguish the flat foot that evolves well (the majority) from the one that needs attention, and to support the family with follow-up and without alarmism.

What parents usually ask

“The pediatrician says it will correct itself. What if it doesn’t?” In most cases, the pediatrician is right: the arch forms with growth. What we add from podiatry is follow-up: checking that evolution is on the right track and detecting early the few cases that need something more.

“Can we give him insoles to prevent it?” It doesn’t make much sense to put them on a foot that is evolving well. Custom insoles are indicated when there is pain, clear fatigue, or a gait that warrants support — not as generic prevention.

“He wears out his shoes immediately, and always on the same side.” Shoe wear gives clues, but on its own is no cause for alarm. If accompanied by complaints or a way of walking that strikes you as odd, then it is a good reason for an assessment.

“He complains about his feet at night.” Growing pains exist and are usually benign, but pain should never be taken for granted. If it repeats, it is worth exploring the foot and ruling out a mechanical cause.

What the visit with a child is like

Short, calm, and with nothing to fear. We examine the foot sitting and standing, look if the arch appears when standing on tiptoes — the great sign of normality in flexible flat feet — and observe him walking and running. If more detail is needed, the gait analysis with 3D scanner is quick and not bothersome at all: many children even find it fun.

Often the visit does not end with a treatment: it ends with an explanation. Leaving the consultation knowing that your child’s foot is evolving normally is also a result, and a good one.

When flat feet in children do require attention

There are signs that make us look at it more closely: a rigid flat foot (the arch does not appear even on tiptoes), a flat foot on only one side, recurring pain, or a child who avoids running and playing because they get tired. None of these signs implies anything serious by itself, but they all deserve a calm examination.

And if the doubt is about an adult at home, the approach changes slightly: we explain it on the flat foot page.