Flat Feet In Children

June 16, 2026

Does Your Child Have Flat Feet?

Many parents become concerned when they notice their child's feet appear flat or roll inwards when standing or walking.

It is one of the most common reasons children are brought for assessment, particularly when parents are unsure whether the appearance of their child's feet is normal or whether treatment may be needed.

The good news is that flat feet are very common in children and, in many cases, form part of normal development.

At Callen Olive, we understand that every child develops differently. We care about helping parents understand their child's foot development and providing clear, honest advice about whether any treatment is required

What Are Flat Feet?

Flat feet occur when the arch on the inside of the foot appears lower than expected or disappears completely when standing.

Many young children naturally have flatter feet because their bones, muscles, ligaments and joints are still developing.

As children grow, the arch often develops gradually over time.

In many cases, flat feet are completely normal and do not cause any problems.

When Are Flat Feet Considered Normal?

Flat feet are extremely common during childhood.

Many children have flexible flat feet, meaning an arch is visible when sitting, standing on tiptoes or when the foot is not bearing weight.

This type of flat foot is often considered part of normal development and may not require treatment.

The important question is not:

"Does my child have flat feet?"

But rather:

"Are the flat feet causing symptoms or affecting how my child moves?"

How Can Flat Feet Affect Children?

Whilst many children experience no symptoms, some may develop:

Foot pain.
Heel pain.
Tired legs.
Ankle discomfort.
Reduced endurance.
Difficulty with sport.
Frequent tripping.
Changes in walking or running patterns.

When symptoms are present, assessment can help determine whether treatment may be beneficial.

Common Signs Parents Notice

Parents often tell us they have noticed:

Feet rolling inwards.
Ankles appearing to collapse.
Uneven shoe wear.
Complaints of tired legs.
Foot pain after activity.
Reluctance to walk long distances.
Frequent falls or clumsiness.
Difficulty keeping up with friends during activity.

These observations can provide valuable information during assessment.

What Causes Flat Feet In Children?

Several factors influence foot development.

These may include:

Natural growth and development.
Joint flexibility.
Family history.
Muscle strength.
Lower limb alignment.
Biomechanical factors.

Most children with flat feet are simply developing normally.

However, where symptoms are present, further assessment can be valuable.

How We Assess Flat Feet In Children

At Callen Olive, assessment begins with understanding how your child is moving, playing and participating in everyday activities.

We discuss:

Symptoms.
Activity levels.
Sports participation.
Developmental history.
Family concerns.

A detailed examination allows us to assess:

Foot posture.
Arch development.
Joint mobility.
Muscle strength.
Balance and coordination.
Walking and running patterns.

Where appropriate, we also utilise advanced OptoGait gait analysis technology to gain additional insight into movement patterns and loading through the feet and lower limbs.

Flexible Vs Rigid Flat Feet

One of the most important aspects of assessment is determining whether the flat foot is flexible or rigid.

Flexible Flat Feet

The arch appears when the foot is off the ground or when standing on tiptoes.

This is the most common type of flat foot seen in children and is often considered a normal developmental variation.

Rigid Flat Feet

The arch remains absent regardless of position.

Rigid flat feet are less common and may require further investigation.

Identifying the difference helps guide appropriate treatment recommendations.

Does My Child Need Treatment?

Not all children with flat feet require treatment.

In many cases, reassurance and monitoring are all that is needed.

Treatment may be considered when flat feet are associated with:

Pain.
Fatigue.
Reduced activity levels.
Frequent injuries.
Difficulty participating in sport.
Significant movement abnormalities.

Our role is to determine whether intervention is likely to provide benefit and to provide honest, evidence-based recommendations.

Custom Foot Orthotics For Children

For some children, custom foot orthotics may help improve comfort and reduce excessive strain during activity.

Orthotics are never prescribed simply because a child has flat feet.

They are recommended when assessment suggests they may improve symptoms, support function or enhance participation in activities.

Every prescription is tailored to the individual child.

Supporting Healthy Development

Children's feet continue developing throughout childhood and adolescence.

Our goal is not to change normal development.

Our goal is to support healthy movement, improve comfort where needed and help children remain active and confident.

Treatment Fees

No two patients are the same.

That's why every treatment plan is tailored to your individual needs, lifestyle and goals. Following your assessment, your clinician will explain the treatment options available and help you choose the most appropriate pathway to achieve the best possible outcome.

Our focus is always on helping you achieve the best possible outcome for your comfort, mobility and long-term wellbeing.

Children's New Patient Biomechanics Assessment £180

Children's New Patient Biomechanics Assessment With Principle Podiatrist @225

Our team will support you throughout every stage of your recovery to ensure you feel informed, reassured and cared for. If you are unsure which appointment is most suitable, our Patient Care Team will be happy to help, please call us on 0333 305 8347.

Related Conditions

Children's Heel Pain
Growing Pains
Toe Walking
Knee Pain
Sports Injuries

Related Treatments

Book A Children's Foot Health Assessment
Biomechanical Assessment
OptoGait Gait Analysis
Custom Foot Orthotics
Sports Podiatry

Learn More About Foot Health

Family Foot Health
Running & Foot Health
Healthy Feet Through Every Stage Of Life

Why Choose Callen Olive?

We Care.

We care about more than foot posture.

We care about helping children move comfortably, develop confidently and enjoy the activities they love.

By combining expert assessment, advanced technology and personalised care, we help support healthy movement through every stage of childhood.

Supporting Healthy Growth, Movement & Development.

Many children with flat feet require nothing more than reassurance. Others may benefit from expert assessment and personalised support.

Our child-friendly assessments help parents understand their child's foot development and provide clear recommendations designed around their individual needs.