Parenting Insights
Why Do My Child’s Feet Seem Flat?
by Mia Johnson
Updated: Aug. 12, 2023
Originally Published: April 22, 2020
Kids’ feet are undeniably adorable. Let’s be honest—who hasn’t thought about munching on those tiny tootsies because they’re just that cute? So, when you notice your little one’s feet appear flat, it’s only natural to worry. After all, as a parent, your instinct is to protect those precious feet. You might find yourself searching for answers online, and you’re certainly not alone; over a thousand parents search about toddlers and flat feet each month!
What Causes Flat Feet in Toddlers?
It’s perfectly normal to think every little aspect of your child is simply wonderful. Yet, when you notice something that seems off, like flat feet, it’s understandable to feel concerned. The medical term for flat feet is pes planus, also known as flexible flat foot. These flat feet are easy to identify—many parents have lovingly referred to their child’s flat feet as “pancake feet.” Essentially, flat feet are those that lack a noticeable arch, causing most of the foot to touch the ground.
So, just how common is this condition among children? Studies from the Medical University of Vienna indicate that up to 44% of kids aged three to six may exhibit flat feet. Fortunately, most children outgrow this by age six.
Why Do They Occur?
There are a couple of primary reasons why many babies appear to have flat feet at birth. For starters, children’s bones and joints are quite flexible, which can cause their feet to flatten when they bear weight. Additionally, newborns typically have a fat pad in the arch area that prevents the arch from developing until they are around two or three years old.
Flat feet can also be inherited, so you might want to check with your own family history. Other factors, such as tightness in the Achilles tendon or overly stretchy ligaments, can contribute to flat feet. According to HealthyChildren.org, about 10-20% of children may retain flat feet into adulthood.
How Can You Tell If Your Child Has Flat Feet?
If you suspect your child has flat feet, you can perform a simple at-home test. Have your child stand barefoot and face away from you. Take a photo from behind. Can you see both their big toe and pinky toe? If you only see the pinky and ring toe, your child may be overpronating. However, it’s best to consult your pediatrician for an accurate diagnosis, especially since the arch typically develops around ages 2 to 3.
Will Treatment Be Necessary?
Most children will naturally see an improvement in their flat feet as they grow, strengthening their muscles and stiffening the soft tissues. If your child isn’t experiencing discomfort or other issues, their pediatrician may simply monitor the situation without recommending further intervention.
However, if your child does experience pain or other symptoms like stiffness, their doctor may suggest imaging tests, such as X-rays, to better understand the condition.
Understanding Hyperpronation
Hyperpronation is related to flat feet and occurs when the ankle bone turns inward while the rest of the foot turns outward, particularly when excessive weight is placed on the inside of the foot during walking or running. This can lead to issues such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, or even bunions.
What Can You Do to Help?
Your pediatrician may recommend non-surgical options for alleviating symptoms related to flat feet, including arch supports, supportive footwear, or physical therapy. Interestingly, a study published in Gait & Posture found that letting children go barefoot may actually help develop a healthy arch, so don’t be afraid to let your little one kick off their shoes occasionally.
If your child has more severe issues, they might need to be referred to a podiatrist or pediatric orthopedic specialist. For more info on this topic, check out our blog post here.
In summary, while flat feet can be concerning to parents, they are often a normal part of child development. With time, many children will outgrow the condition without any complications.
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