My Child Has Flat Feet — What Should I Do?

Few things are sweeter than tiny baby toes and feet. However, at some point, those tootsies grow up and become a crucial part of your child’s adult structure. 

One of the most common pediatric podiatry problems is flat feet, which is when your child’s foot lies flat on the ground with no visible arch on the inner foot. Before your child walks, this might not seem like a big deal, but without that arch, your child may be unable to run, move, jump, and play normally or without pain. 

However, not every case of flat feet needs immediate intervention. 

Our team of experts at Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle have years of experience helping folks of all ages. Here, we’ve created a guide for parents concerned about their child’s foot development. 

Children and flat feet

Most children start with flat feet. As they grow and walk, the soft tissues along the bottom of their feet tighten, contributing to the arch’s development. There are two main ways flat feet can develop in children, and it all has to do with how and when their arch becomes visible. 

The first type is called flexible flat foot, which features an arch that disappears when your child stands and reappears when they sit. 

It’s concerning when you notice a discrepancy in your child’s development, but most children grow out of flexible flat foot and develop arches by age 5. Those who don’t develop arches into adolescence often experience an aching pain along the bottom of their feet. 

The second type, rigid flat foot, is a more severe condition. In this case, your child never has a visible arch, whether sitting or standing. Rigid flat feet can be much more painful and are often indicative of an underlying muscle and bone deformity. 

Depending on which type your child has, it can be due to issues such as a tight or short Achilles tendon, a developmental issue in the ankle, or they may have inherited it from a family member. 

Know when to get help

Even though many cases of flat feet work themselves out, if you’re concerned about your child’s feet, that’s reason enough to bring them in for an evaluation. You shouldn’t wait to make an appointment if your child complains of persistent foot pain. 

Young children can’t verbalize their pain clearly, so knowing what to look for is essential. Flat foot pain usually stays in one spot, and it’s not always in the arch area. Your child may always ask to be carried, resist activities, or appear to move slower than other kids their age. 

What to expect at your child’s podiatry visit

Taking your child in for a medical examination of any kind is nerve-wracking, so we want you to know what to expect before you go. 

We begin by reviewing your child’s and family’s health history and discussing the signs and symptoms you’ve noticed. Our team then carefully examines their feet and ankles and performs various physical tests to evaluate their foot development.

For instance, we may have your child stand flat on the ground, sit and dangle their feet, and stand on their tiptoes. These tests help us determine which type of flat feet your child has, how severe it is, and whether it needs treatment. Sometimes, X-rays are appropriate to ensure the joints in the feet and ankles are in good condition. 

If there’s no pain, our team may take a wait-and-see approach. Your child may be a late bloomer and could simply need time to naturally grow and develop their arches. 

If your child is in significant pain or has rigid flat foot, we may order some additional testing to create a treatment plan. Treatment for flat feet in children usually includes custom orthotics to encourage arch development and relieve pain. Your child may need physical therapy or surgery to address issues with their tendons and joints. 

Once treated, your child should notice a dramatic improvement in their symptoms. We recommend bringing them in for follow-up appointments throughout their development to monitor their progress. 

If you’re worried your child has an issue with flat feet, don’t hesitate to contact Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle, at our offices in Wheat Ridge, Thornton, Evergreen, or Granby, Colorado. Call our friendly staff to find an appointment time that works for you, or request a time through our online booking tool.