Flat Feet in Children

Expert Assessment & Advice for Children's Foot Development

Does Your Child Have Flat Feet?

Many parents notice their child's feet appear flat or roll inwards when standing or walking and wonder if it's something they should be concerned about.

The reassuring news is that flat feet are a normal part of development for many children. As children grow, their feet, muscles and ligaments continue to develop, and the arch often forms naturally over time.

The important question isn't whether your child has flat feet—it's whether those flat feet are causing pain, affecting movement or making it harder for them to enjoy being active.

At Callen Olive, we provide child-friendly assessments to help parents understand their child's foot development, identify when treatment may be beneficial and offer honest, evidence-based advice.

At A Glance

Your child may benefit from an assessment if they have:

• Flat feet with pain
• Feet that roll inwards
• Tired or aching legs
• Heel pain
• Frequent tripping
• Difficulty keeping up with friends
• Reduced confidence during sport
• Recurrent lower limb pain
• Concerns about their walking or running

What Are Flat Feet?

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

In young children, this is often completely normal.

Children are naturally more flexible than adults, and the bones, muscles and ligaments that support the arch continue to develop throughout childhood.

Many children have flexible flat feet, where the arch reappears when sitting, standing on tiptoes or when the foot isn't bearing weight.

In most cases, this is simply part of normal development.

When Are Flat Feet Normal?

For many children, flat feet don't cause any problems at all.

If your child:

• Walks comfortably
• Enjoys sport
• Has no pain
• Isn't restricted by their feet

they may not require any treatment.

Often, reassurance is the most appropriate advice.

When Can Flat Feet Cause Problems?

Some children do experience symptoms.

These may include:

• Foot pain
• Heel pain
• Tired legs
• Ankle discomfort
• Frequent tripping
• Reduced endurance
• Difficulty with sport
• Pain after activity
• Changes in walking or running

When symptoms are present, an assessment can help determine whether their foot posture is contributing.

What Causes Flat Feet?

Several factors influence how a child's feet develop.

These include:

• Normal growth and development
• Joint flexibility
• Hypermobility
• Family history
• Muscle strength
• Lower limb alignment
• Walking and running mechanics

Every child develops differently, which is why treatment should always be based on symptoms rather than appearance alone.

Flexible vs Rigid Flat Feet

One of the most important parts of our assessment is determining whether your child's flat feet are flexible or rigid.

Flexible Flat Feet

The arch appears when your child sits, stands on tiptoes or lifts their foot off the floor.

This is the most common type and is usually a normal variation of childhood development.

Rigid Flat Feet

The arch remains absent in every position.

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

Understanding the difference helps guide the most appropriate advice and treatment.

Your Child's Assessment

Every assessment begins by understanding how your child moves and whether their feet are affecting everyday life.

We'll discuss:

• Any pain or discomfort
• Activity levels
• Sporting participation
• Developmental history
• Your concerns as a parent

We'll then assess:

• Foot posture
• Arch development
• Joint mobility
• Muscle strength
• Lower limb alignment
• Balance and coordination
• Walking and running patterns

Where appropriate, we also use OptoGait Gait Analysis to gain a more detailed understanding of how your child moves and identify factors contributing to excessive strain.

Does My Child Need Treatment?

Not every child with flat feet requires treatment.

For many children, reassurance and regular monitoring are all that's needed.

Where symptoms are present, recommendations may include:

• Footwear advice
• Activity advice
• Strengthening exercises
• Stretching programmes
• Custom Foot Orthotics where clinically appropriate
• Monitoring during growth

Our goal isn't to change normal development.

It's to improve comfort, support healthy movement and help children enjoy being active.

Custom Foot Orthotics

For some children, excessive foot movement or poor biomechanics may contribute to pain and fatigue.

When clinically appropriate, Custom Foot Orthotics can help:

• Improve foot function
• Reduce excessive strain
• Improve comfort during activity
• Support participation in sport

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

They're only recommended when we believe they're likely to provide meaningful benefit.

Supporting Healthy Foot Development

Children's feet continue developing throughout childhood and adolescence.

Our role is to support that development—not interfere with it.

Whether your child needs reassurance, advice or treatment, we'll provide clear guidance to help them move comfortably, confidently and enjoy every stage of childhood.

Pricing

Every child is different, which is why every assessment is tailored to their individual needs.

Following your appointment, your podiatrist will explain their findings and discuss any treatment recommendations.

Children's New Patient Biomechanics Assessment – £180

Children's New Patient Biomechanics Assessment with Principal Podiatrist – £225

If you're unsure which appointment is most appropriate, our Patient Care Team will be happy to help.

Call us on 0333 305 8347.

Why Patients Choose Callen Olive

Your feet deserve more than treatment.

At Callen Olive, we believe exceptional podiatry is about far more than relieving pain.

It's about understanding how your feet affect your comfort, confidence and the way you move through life.

Every person who walks through our doors has different goals, which is why every treatment plan is tailored to your individual needs, lifestyle and ambitions.

Because no two people — or feet — are the same.

Expert Care. Personally Delivered.

We combine specialist clinical expertise, advanced technology and genuinely personalised care to help you achieve the best possible outcome.

From your first appointment, you'll understand what's causing your symptoms, the treatment options available and how we'll support you every step of the way.

Why Patients Trust Callen Olive

• Specialist podiatry team
• Personalised treatment plans
• Advanced technology
• Evidence-based care
• Award-winning patient experience
• Trusted by thousands of patients every year

More Than A Podiatry Appointment

Exceptional care isn't just about clinical expertise.

It's about feeling listened to, understood and supported from the moment you arrive until long after your treatment has finished.

Because that's what great care should feel like.

We Care.

It's more than our promise.

It's how we listen, how we explain, how we treat and how we support every patient who places their trust in us.

Because helping you move with comfort, confidence and ease is why Callen Olive exists.

Healthy Feet. Healthy Body. Healthy Mind.

Related Conditions

• Growing Pains
• Children's Heel Pain
• Hypermobility
• Children's Knee Pain
• Sports Injuries

Related Treatments

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Are flat feet normal in children?

Yes. Flat feet are very common during childhood and are often a normal part of development. Many children naturally develop an arch as they grow.

Will my child grow out of flat feet?

Many children do develop a more defined arch as they get older. Every child develops differently, which is why monitoring and assessment are sometimes helpful.

When should I be concerned about my child's flat feet?

If your child has pain, frequent trips or falls, avoids activity, complains of tired legs or struggles with sport, it's worth arranging an assessment.

Do all children with flat feet need orthotics?

No. Orthotics are only recommended when a thorough assessment suggests they're likely to improve comfort, function or participation in activity.

Can flat feet cause leg pain?

In some children, flat feet and altered foot mechanics can contribute to foot pain, heel pain, tired legs and lower limb discomfort.

Can my child still play sport?

Absolutely. Most children with flat feet can continue enjoying sport. If symptoms are present, treatment aims to improve comfort and help them stay active.

Supporting Healthy Foot Development

If you're concerned about your child's flat feet, or they've started complaining of pain or tired legs, we're here to help.

Our experienced podiatrists provide child-friendly assessments that give parents reassurance, clear advice and personalised recommendations to support healthy movement throughout childhood.

Book your child's foot assessment today and help them move with comfort and confidence.