A low arch or unusual-looking walk can worry parents, especially when another child moves differently. Appearance alone does not establish a problem. Pain, stiffness, a new change or difficulty keeping up are useful things to bring to a healthcare professional’s attention.
Flat feet are not always painful
Flexible flat feet are common in children. If a child is comfortable and active, treatment is often unnecessary. An assessment considers whether the foot is flexible, whether there is pain and whether movement is limited. Buying custom inserts simply to create the appearance of an arch is not automatically helpful.
Read our pediatric flat feet page for the concerns assessed at the clinic.
Observe without forcing a correction
- Does the child report pain, and can they point to it?
- Is the pattern on both sides or only one?
- Is it longstanding, or has it appeared recently?
- Does it affect play, walking distance or confidence?
- Are shoes rubbing or becoming too small?
A short description of when you notice a change is often more useful than trying to label it. Avoid repeatedly asking a child to “walk properly” before you know why the pattern occurs.
What about toe walking or turned-in feet?
These are separate concerns with different possible explanations. Persistent toe walking, a new one-sided pattern, pain or an inability to place the heels down merits professional advice. Our guides to toe walking and in-toe and out-toe gait describe the assessment pathway. Referral for pediatric or orthopedic assessment may be appropriate.
Preparing for a visit
Bring the child’s usual shoes and note when symptoms started. Seek urgent medical care for a significant injury, fever with a painful limb, or refusal to bear weight. For a routine concern, contact Locke in Hamilton or Stoney Creek to ask about an assessment.
Sources
Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America: Flexible flat feet · AAOS: Toe walking · NHS: Children’s leg and foot development
General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment plan.