Understanding Flat Feet in Toddlers

By Adrian Bianco|2025-02-25T08:08:04+00:00October 17th, 2024|

What are Flat Feet?

Flat feet, also known as pes planus, is when the arch of the foot is lower than normal, or in some cases, absent. In toddlers, this is often a natural part of their development. Most toddlers are born with flat feet. Often still, parents will be concerned about their toddler having flat feet and what that means going forward.

Flat feet are seen frequently in toddlers. As the child grows, their arches often develop as they develop and grow. In some cases, toddlers and young children will continue to have a flat foot into their teenage and adult years.

Signs and symptoms of flat feet

Interestingly, it is not unusual for toddlers and kids with flat feet to be pain and symptom free. There are some signs you should be on the lookout for that could indicate issues relating to flat feet that may be worth having assessed by a podiatrist.

Foot appearance: A noticeable lack of an arch in the foot, especially when standing.

“Waddling” gait: Toddlers may walk with a slightly waddling gait/turned out feet due to the alignment of their feet.

Foot Pain: A toddler may complain of pain in their feet, ankles and legs; especially after prolonged activity such as sports or long days on their feet. This can also coincide with growing pains.

Behavioural changes: A toddler’s behaviour relating to activities involving being on their feet may start to be avoided. This is a sign that they should be assessed (flat feet or not).

Balance & stability issues: A toddler may have issues with keeping balance, tripping or appear clumsier than their peers or siblings at the same age.

Assessment and diagnosis for flat feet

Our Melbourne podiatrists typically perform both a hands-on assessment of the arch of the foot in addition to gait analysis.

Things our podiatrists assess for include:

Foot structure: assessing the foot position while standing and non-weightbearing.

Range of Motion: assessing the flexibility of the foot and ankle. It is essential that there is a normal range of motion joints of the foot. Stiffness and restriction in certain foot joints at young ages is not normal and if present in a toddlers flat feet – may require further investigation.

Gait Analysis: Observing how the child walks and runs.

Footwear: It is important to assess your toddler’s footwear to ensure they are suited to their feet.

In some cases, x-rays or other imaging forms may help with more complex or unusual cases. This helps to evaluate the structure of the foot further, especially if the toddler experiences abnormal pain or other complications.

Flat feet treatment

Treatment for flat feet in toddlers often depends on if symptoms are present and the severity. Some toddlers with asymptomatic flat feet may not require significant intervention whilst others may require intervention. Treatment options include:

Footwear: It is vital to ensure a toddler’s footwear is suited to their feet and function.

Children’s Orthotics: Custom or over-the-counter orthotics may be issued to provide increased arch support and improve function when required.

Exercise/barefoot time: Time spent barefoot helps strengthen the muscles in the foot and ankle. This also helps with proprioceptive feedback. This is an important time from when the child starts to take its first steps up until 3 or so years of age.

Observation/Monitoring: In cases where there is no immediate treatment required we often recommend periodic reviews (6–12-months) to monitor foot development. This is important as some toddlers may still require orthotic treatment when older, to prevent future issues as their feet change with growth and development.

Specialist referral/Surgery: If a toddler’s flat feet are severe and the joints are highly restricted, we may refer for specialist assessment. This may be simply to ensure there is nothing underlying affecting the foot development or if surgical intervention is thought to be possibly warranted.

My toddler has flat feet – what do I do?

Parents should monitor their toddler’s feet and if they notice flat feet, it is advised to have it prefessionally assessed by one of our Melbourne podiatrists. Whilst flat feet is a normal part of development and often asymptomatic, it can be difficult for a parent to know if treatment is indicated. Parents that get their toddler assessed often have an improved understanding about flat feet and what the future prognosis looks like, which often alleviates future worries and concerns.