Expert Advice from Instep of Oakham Podiatrists
Flat feet, or pes planus, is a common concern among parents. If you’ve noticed that your child’s feet appear flat when standing, you might be wondering if this is normal or if it requires treatment. At Instep of Oakham, our podiatrists have a specialist interest in children’s foot health, and we’re here to help you understand the natural development of children’s feet and when intervention may be necessary.
Understanding Foot Development in Children
At birth, all babies have naturally flat feet due to the presence of a fat pad in the arch area and the flexibility of their developing bones and ligaments. Over time, as they grow and become more active, their foot structure changes.
🔹 Newborn to Toddler (0–3 years) – Feet appear flat due to soft tissues and fat pads. Arches are not yet developed.
🔹 Early Childhood (3–6 years) – Arches begin forming as muscles strengthen and the foot structure develops.
🔹 By Age 6–7 – Most children have a noticeable arch when standing. Some may take longer, but most cases resolve naturally.
🔹 After Age 7 – If the feet remain flat and rigid, or if the child experiences pain or walking difficulties, an assessment by a podiatrist is recommended.
📌 Key Fact: Studies show that around 44% of children aged 3–6 have flat feet, but this number decreases with age as the arch develops naturally (Wegener et al., 2011).
Types of Flat Feet in Children
1. Flexible Flat Feet (Most Common)
✅ The arch is visible when the child is sitting or standing on tiptoes but disappears when standing normally.
✅ Usually painless and improves with age.
✅ No treatment is needed unless there is discomfort or difficulty walking.
2. Rigid Flat Feet (Less Common, May Require Treatment)
❌ The arch remains absent even when the child is sitting or on tiptoes.
❌ May be associated with tight tendons, abnormal bone structure, or joint conditions such as tarsal coalition (fusion of foot bones).
❌ Often causes pain, stiffness, or difficulty walking.
3. Flat Feet with Overpronation
❌ Some children’s feet roll inwards excessively (overpronation), leading to poor posture, knee pain, or ankle discomfort.
❌ May benefit from supportive footwear, exercises, or orthotics.
When Should You Be Concerned?
Most children’s flat feet improve naturally, but book an appointment at Instep of Oakham if you notice:
❌ Foot, ankle, or knee pain – Flat feet can alter leg alignment, causing discomfort.
❌ Frequent tripping, clumsiness, or difficulty walking – May indicate a biomechanical issue.
❌ Uneven shoe wear – Shoes wearing down excessively on the inside may signal overpronation.
❌ Rigid flat feet or limited foot movement – This may require further investigation.
How Instep of Oakham Can Help
Our podiatrists at Instep of Oakham provide expert assessments, gait analysis, and tailored treatment plans for children with persistent flat feet or foot-related discomfort.
1. Gait Analysis & Foot Assessment
✅ We assess how your child walks, their foot structure, and any alignment issues.
✅ Identifying whether the flat feet are flexible or rigid helps determine the best course of action.
2. Footwear Advice
✅ Well-fitted, supportive shoes can help prevent overpronation and improve stability.
✅ Avoid overly rigid shoes – flexibility is key for natural arch development.
3. Orthotics (Custom Insoles)
✅ For children experiencing pain or excessive foot rolling, orthotic insoles can provide arch support and improve posture.
✅ Used only when necessary, as most children’s feet develop naturally without intervention.
4. Stretching & Strengthening Exercises
✅ Toe curls, calf stretches, and balance exercises help strengthen foot muscles and support arch development.
Final Thoughts
Flat feet in children are usually a normal part of development and correct themselves as they grow. However, if your child experiences pain, difficulty walking, or persistent flat feet beyond age 7, a podiatry assessment can provide reassurance and treatment options if needed.
Book an Appointment at Instep of Oakham for a professional foot assessment and expert paediatric podiatry advice.
References
- Wegener, C., Hunt, A., Vanwanseele, B., Burns, J., & Smith, R. (2011). Flat feet in children: When to worry? Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 4(1), 24.
- Evans, A. M. (2008). The development of the arch in children: A systematic review. Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, 98(3), 181-191.
