My Flat Feet

Flexible flat feet are normal in infants, children and adults. Flat feet are often an inherited family trait.

They are also culturally and genetically normal in certain ethnic groups (Fig. 1).

Fig1. Foot with normal arch (left) and a flat foot without an arch (right).

Most children develop an arch in their feet when standing between 4–5 years old (Fig. 2).

Fig 2. Children develop a foot arch in standing at the age 4 or 5.

However, one in five children never develop an arch in standing. Most of these children have low arches because they have loose ligaments. Their arch flattens when they are standing and their feet appear to roll in. However, an arch can be seen when the child stands on tiptoes or their feet are off the ground (Fig. 3).

Fig 3. The foot arch flattens when the child stands (a), but is visible when standing on tiptoes (b) or if the feet are off the ground (c).

Flat feet will not cause long-term problems. Most adults with flexible flatfeet have strong, pain-free feet and are able to do all activities and sports.

Special shoes, shoe inserts (orthotics) or exercises will not make an arch develop in a child with flexible flat feet. Arch supports may create a temporary arch in the foot, but the posture of flat feet returns once the supports are removed. Many children do not feel comfortable with arch supports in their shoes.

However, it is important to consult a paediatric

orthopaedic surgeon if the flat feet are:

• stiff

• painful

• causing difficulty with activities

(e.g. running, jumping)

• only one side is affected.

Source: Departments of Orthopaedics and Physiotherapy, The Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne

Related Topics:

• Overweight kids have greater risk of developing flat feet