What is the cause of flat feet in children?
Many people have a long-standing belief that flat feet are abnormal and require treatment with special shoes, insoles or even splints or braces. We now know that the majority of children between 1-5 years of age have flat feet. This is part of normal development of their feet and over 95% of children grow out of their flat feet and develop a normal arch. The other 5% continue to have flat feet but only a small number will ever have a problem. Most children with a persistent flat foot participate in physical activities, including competitive sports, and experience no pain or other symptoms. Very rarely, there can be an underlying problem. The doctor examining the child will check for these and plan ongoing care. Older children with painful or stiff flat feet and children who had initially normal arches and develop flat feet later require particular attention.
