It’s perfectly normal for babies and toddlers to have flat feet, but many parents start to worry when those arches don’t appear as their child gets older. Is it just a phase, or could it affect their mobility in the long run?
At Ahwatukee Foot & Ankle Center, our providers specialize in pediatric foot care and addressing the specific challenges of growing feet. We offer comprehensive evaluations to ensure children have proper support at every stage of their development.
Identifying issues early can prevent a lifetime of avoidable alignment problems and discomfort. In this month’s post, we take a closer look at how to tell if your child’s arches are developing correctly and treatments available when needed.
Flat foot — also known as pes planus — is a condition where one or both feet have little to no visible arch and the sole of the foot fully contacts the ground. While some people never develop a distinct arch, others may experience fallen arches later in life as the supporting tendons wear down.
In babies and toddlers, feet often appear flat because a pad of fat cushions the sole and hides the underlying arch structure. You may be able to see an arch when your child sits or stands on tiptoe that flattens when they stand normally.
Visible arches typically begin to develop around age 5 or 6, as the muscles and ligaments in a child’s feet tighten and strengthen through regular walking and running. While some children may take a bit longer, 80%-90% of kids grow out of their flat feet by adulthood.
For most kids with flat feet, no medical intervention or treatment is necessary. If your child is active, keeps up with their peers, and doesn’t complain of any pain, the lack of visible arch is likely not a cause for concern.
However, prompt evaluation is essential if the condition causes discomfort or limits your child’s mobility. Keep an eye out for these signs:
Rigid flat feet — where no arch is noticeable, even when standing on tiptoe — are less common but often require professional treatment. Unlike flexible flat feet, structural issues within the foot usually cause rigid flat feet, which may result in future misalignment and joint strain without proper support.
Well-fitting, supportive shoes are important for children’s developing feet and joints, regardless of their arch height. Look for features like a firm, solid sole, a reinforced heel for stability, and a wide toe box with room for the toes to stretch and wiggle.
Most kids with flat feet don’t need special shoes or shoe inserts. In fact, using the wrong support can lead to alignment issues or muscle weakness. Always consult with our team before purchasing corrective footwear or over-the-counter orthotics for your child.
If your child is experiencing foot pain or stiffness, we perform a thorough examination to determine the underlying cause, such as a tight Achilles tendon or tarsal coalition, which is an abnormal connection between two or more foot bones.
Depending on the diagnosis, we may recommend treatments such as targeted physical therapy exercises, custom orthotics to redistribute pressure, or, in rare cases, surgery to correct severe structural problems.
While the majority of kids outgrow flat feet, professional examinations are key to preventing complications and discomfort later in life. Contact us today to schedule a pediatric foot exam at Ahwatukee Foot & Ankle Center in Phoenix or Maricopa, Arizona.
