Flat feet in children and young people
শিশু ও তরুণদের ফ্ল্যাট ফুট (সমতল পা)
Flat feet is when the arch on the inside of the foot flattens out while your child is standing. You might also notice the ankle bone on the inside sticking out more, or the whole foot leaning inward.
Flexible flat feet are quite common and normal in children and young people.
Common Symptoms
Symptom information is not available for this condition yet.
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
When should you talk to a healthcare professional?
Very rarely, flat feet can be a sign of something more serious.
Get in touch with your healthcare professional if:
- only one foot is flat
- the foot is painful
Special tests like x-rays usually aren't needed. A healthcare professional can tell what's going on just by examining your child.
If your healthcare professional isn't concerned, you can feel reassured. Your child's feet are normal, and this won't hold them back in any way.
Causes
What causes flat feet?
Most children have some degree of flat feet, and this is usually quite normal. It happens because children's tissues are springier than adults', and they also have a bit more fat in the soles of their feet. This is what makes their feet look flatter.
Every child is different, and some naturally have flatter feet than others. This kind of variation is normal, so there's no need to worry.
Treatment
Should flat feet be treated?
Using insoles or special exercises isn’t recommended. This is because the feet will develop normally without them.
Studies have shown that insoles or arch supports do not help the arches of the foot to develop in childhood. Most children will have normal arches by age 14.
What can be done to help with flat feet?
Some activities may be helpful in strengthening the muscles in the feet. Try to encourage your child to stand and walk on their tip-toes for short periods.
The older your child is the easier it can be to encourage them to do this. For young children, you can try making this activity a game, where they copy your movements.
This may not change how their foot looks.
Choosing footwear
Try to choose supportive and well fitted shoes. As children grow they’ll need their feet measured regularly.
What if the feet are still flat at age 14?
Children who don’t develop a normal arch by 14 very rarely have any problems with their feet.
Some young people and adults with flexible flat feet can develop ankle or knee pain. An arch supporting shoe or insole can be helpful at that stage.