Overview

Feet change a lot through infancy, childhood, and adolescence as we grow. 

Young children have soft, flat feet, which means they have a low foot arch profile. This simply describes what the foot looks like. 

While bones of the feet harden into their natural shape, muscles are working hard to keep children active and playing.

Typically, foot arches are formed between 7 and 8 years old. However, some children and adults will always have flat feet as this is their normal foot shape.

Usually flat feet are nothing to worry about, but sometimes they can be associated with pain.

When children should have their feet checked

You should seek advice from a podiatrist (doctor specialising in foot health) if your child:

• complains of aching or pain in their feet
• does not want to play or take part in sport due to pain 

The podiatrist might want to give your child an assessment appointment, so they can advise on treatment. 

What an assessment involves

Podiatrists will take a detailed medical history, then examine the joints and muscles of your child’s feet, knees, and hips. They will look at the way your child stands, walks and plays. The podiatrist will then be able to guide you on making treatment decisions. Sometimes, other tests may be required to help with the diagnosis, such as X-rays or scans.  

Treatment

Flat feet are not usually the cause of pain. The podiatrist will identify which joints or soft tissue are causing pain, and advise which treatment can help to improve this.  

If treatment is needed, the available options include the following. 

Observe and monitor

Sometimes children can have varying foot shapes that change over time. If your child is not in pain, is taking part in activities, and keeping up with other children, we usually just need to observe and monitor.

Footwear 

Your child needs comfortable shoes with plenty of room to grow. Make sure their shoes provide enough support. The sole should provide support around the heel and not bend easily in the middle. Remember that very stiff or heavy shoes can make walking more difficult. The shape of the shoe should match the shape of the foot, with plenty of room to grow, so always measure feet with the child standing. Avoid buying slip-on shoes as these cause the toes to grip within the shoes and squash children’s toes.  

Stretching and strengthening exercises

Calf muscle stretches, ankle strengthening, and balance exercises can help to reduce pain and improve balance. Your podiatrist will advise on exercises and play to help your child.

Changes to their activities 

If the pain is worse when they are doing certain activities, your child may need to temporarily stop, or reduce, how much they do. This will usually be for a short period of time.

Foot insoles (orthoses)

These include prefabricated or custom-made insoles, and ankle braces that work by supporting and cushioning the foot, or by changing the way muscles are used when walking. Insoles do not change the shape of feet or form arches. 

Read our information about foot insoles. 

Surgery

Surgery is considered the last option. It is only done when other treatments have not worked, or when foot pain cannot be improved enough for good comfort and the ability to enjoy daily activities. 

Other things that can help

Lifestyle changes 

If your child is overweight, this can increase the load (weight) on their feet, making pain worse. Losing weight will help as it will reduce the weight going through the foot as your child walks. If your child is overweight you should discuss this with your GP.  

More information and support

The Royal College of Podiatry have information for patients about different types of foot conditions.

https://rcpod.org.uk/