Flat Feet in Kids: What’s Normal and When to See a Podiatrist?
Many parents worry when they notice their child has flat feet—especially if their arches seem to disappear when standing or running. At Bondi Podiatry, we often get asked: “Is this something they’ll grow out of, or should we be concerned?”
Let’s break it down.
What Are Flexible Flat Feet?
“Flat feet,” or pes planus, refers to a condition where the arch of the foot is low or not visible when standing. In flexible flat feet, the arch reappears when the child is sitting or standing on tiptoes. This is the most common type of flat foot seen in children and often part of normal development.
However, in some cases, flat feet can lead to biomechanical problems that cause pain or fatigue—and may benefit from early intervention.
What’s Normal in Development?
Flat feet are very normal in babies and toddlers, as their foot structure is still forming and the arch is hidden under a fat pad. As children grow (typically between ages 5–7), the arch begins to develop more clearly.
For some children, though, the arch never fully forms—and that’s when a podiatric assessment can help determine if it’s just a variation of normal or something that needs support.
Signs That Flat Feet May Need Attention
While flexible flat feet are often harmless, parents should look out for:
Foot or leg pain, especially after activity
Fatigue or complaints of “tired legs”
Uneven shoe wear
Tripping or clumsiness
A tendency to walk with feet turned out
Avoidance of sport or physical activity
Flat feet that don’t improve as the child grows older
In these cases, flat feet may be affecting your child’s biomechanics, leading to inefficient movement or excess strain on growing muscles and joints.
Why Biomechanics Matter
The alignment of the foot affects the way forces travel up the legs and body. Poor foot posture can contribute to:
Knee pain
Hip misalignment
Lower back discomfort
Muscle imbalances or delayed motor development
Even if a child isn’t in pain now, underlying biomechanical issues may lead to problems down the track—especially as activity levels increase in sport and school.
How Bondi Podiatry Can Help
We take a child-friendly, evidence-based approach to assessing and managing flat feet. During your visit, we’ll perform a thorough biomechanical assessment that includes:
Gait analysis
Joint flexibility and muscle strength testing
Footwear review
Posture and balance evaluation
Depending on your child’s age, symptoms, and activity level, treatment options may include:
Custom foot orthotics to support developing arches
Targeted exercises to improve strength and coordination
Stretching programs for tight calves or Achilles tendons
Footwear advice suited to growing feet
Ongoing monitoring as your child grows
Peace of Mind for Growing Feet
Flat feet are common, but they shouldn’t be dismissed if they’re causing discomfort or slowing your child down. At Bondi Podiatry, we’re here to support healthy development and confident movement from the ground up.
Book a kids’ podiatry assessment today—we’ll help you understand what’s normal, what’s not, and how to best support your child’s feet as they grow.
