Clinical Portal 2026 Dr. Murali Gopal
Parent guide

Flat Feet in Children

Most young children have flexible flat feet, and painless flexible flat feet usually do not need medical treatment.

Parent Guide Clinician reviewed

Dr. Murali Gopal

Senior Paediatrician & Paediatric Pulmonologist
MCR: 57489
MBBS, DCH(UK), MRCPCH(UK), FRCPCH(UK), CCT Paediatrics (UK), Fellow in Paediatric Pulmonology (Aus), Allergology (Ind)

Painless flexible flat feet are common. Review is more important when feet are painful, stiff, asymmetric, worsening, or linked with delayed milestones or abnormal gait.

What parents should know

Flat feet means the foot arch looks low or absent, especially when a child stands. Flexible flat feet are common in young children and often improve as the foot develops.

This guide gives general parent education only. It cannot diagnose whether a foot is flexible, rigid, painful, or part of a wider developmental or neurological concern.

What parents may notice

  • Low arch when standing.
  • The arch may appear when the child stands on tiptoe.
  • Both feet are usually affected and painless in flexible flat feet.
  • Shoes may wear unevenly in some children.

Practical home support

  • Use comfortable, well-fitting footwear.
  • Allow normal play and sports if there is no pain.
  • Do not force special shoes or insoles for painless flexible flat feet.
  • Safe barefoot play is acceptable if the surface is suitable.
  • Seek review if pain, stiffness, or activity limitation develops.

Red flags / when to seek medical review

Arrange medical review if any concerning features occur:
  • Painful, rigid, worsening, weak, or numb feet.
  • One foot is flat, newly changed, or clearly different from the other.
  • Limp, difficulty walking, poor balance, reduced stamina, or repeated falls.
  • Swelling, redness, warmth, or severe tenderness.
  • Delayed developmental milestones, abnormal gait, or neurological concerns.

Important facts for parents

  • Painless flexible flat feet usually do not need treatment.
  • Insoles for symptoms should be discussed with a clinician; they do not reliably create a permanent arch.
  • Pain, stiffness, asymmetry, or developmental concerns should not be ignored.

Medical disclaimer

General education only. This guide does not replace medical consultation, diagnosis, examination, or individualized treatment by a qualified healthcare professional. Seek urgent care for red-flag symptoms. Final clinical use requires clinician review.

References

  1. NHS. Flat feet health information.
  2. Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne. Orthopaedic guidance and parent resources.
  3. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Flat feet in children parent information.

Last reviewed: 29 May 2026. Status: published, clinician reviewed.

Medical review and references

Reviewed byDr. Murali Gopal

Last reviewed2026-05-29

Medical review statusClinician reviewed

ReferencesNHS flat feet guidance; Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne orthopaedic guidance; NHS Greater Glasgow flat feet in children parent resources.

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This parent guide is for general education only and does not replace consultation with your child’s paediatrician. Please seek medical care urgently if your child appears seriously unwell, has breathing difficulty, poor feeding, dehydration, altered responsiveness, or if you are worried.