Flat feet in children and young people
শিশু ও তরুণদের ফ্ল্যাট ফুট (সমতল পা)
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.
A flat foot is one where the arch on the inside of the foot is lower than usual or missing when you stand. The foot can also look as if the ankle bone on the inside sticks out more, or as if the whole foot is tilted.
Flexible flat feet are quite normal in children and young people.
What causes flat feet?
Most children have some degree of flat foot, and it's usually quite normal. Children have more springy tissues than adults, and they also have slightly more fat in the soles of their feet. Both of these make their feet look flatter.
Everyone is different, so some children will appear to have flatter feet than others. This sort of variation is normal.
Should flat feet be treated?
Insoles and special exercises aren't recommended for flat feet in children. The feet will develop normally without them.
Studies have shown that insoles or arch supports don't 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 can help strengthen the muscles in the feet. Try encouraging your child to stand and walk on their tip-toes for short periods.
The older your child is, the easier it tends to be to get them to do this. With young children, you can turn it into a game where they copy your movements.
This may not change how their foot looks.
Choosing footwear
Try to pick shoes that are well fitted and give your child's feet good support. Children grow quickly, so their feet will need to be measured regularly.
What if the feet are still flat at age 14?
Most children who don't develop a normal arch by the age of 14 very rarely have any problems with their feet.
Some young people and adults with flexible flat feet do go on to get ankle or knee pain. If that happens, a shoe that supports the arch, or an insole, can help.
When should you speak to a doctor?
Very occasionally, a flat foot in a child or young person can be a sign of a more serious problem.
Contact your doctor if:
- only one foot is flat
- the foot is painful
Special tests like x-rays are not usually needed. The doctor can spot flat feet just by examining your child.
If the doctor is happy there's nothing to worry about, your child's feet are normal. They will not limit your child in any way.