By admin November 13, 2026 Body pains

Flat Feet in Children: 8 Causes, Symptoms and How Physiotherapy Can Help

Flat feet are common in children and, in many cases, are a normal part of development. However, when flat feet are associated with pain, weakness, balance problems or difficulty participating in physical activities, a professional assessment may be beneficial.

At Effective Physiotherapy and Fitness Clinic, we provide personalised physiotherapy assessments and exercise programmes to help children with foot, ankle and lower-limb problems. Our goal is to support healthy movement, improve physical function and help children stay active and confident.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flat feet, also known as pes planus, occur when the arch along the inside of the foot appears flattened, causing more of the sole to contact the ground.

Young children naturally have flatter-looking feet because the arch develops gradually during childhood. The presence of a low arch therefore does not automatically mean that a child has a foot problem.

Some children continue to have flat feet as they grow without experiencing any symptoms or limitations.

The important question is not simply whether a child’s feet look flat, but whether the foot posture is causing pain, functional difficulties or problems with movement.

Are Flat Feet Normal in Children?

Yes. Flexible flat feet are very common in young children.

As children grow, their feet, muscles, ligaments and bones develop. The appearance of the arch may change with age.

A child with flexible flat feet may have an arch when sitting or standing on their toes, but the arch becomes less visible when standing normally.

If the feet are flexible, painless and do not interfere with activities, treatment may not be necessary.

However, painful or rigid flat feet require appropriate assessment.

What Causes Flat Feet in Children?

Several factors can contribute to flat feet, including:

Normal childhood development
Family tendency
Ligament flexibility
Muscle weakness
Foot and ankle alignment
Certain neurological or muscular conditions
Previous injury
Differences in lower-limb mechanics

In some children, flat feet are simply part of their natural foot structure.

Symptoms of Flat Feet

Many children with flat feet have no symptoms.

When symptoms occur, they may include:

Foot pain
Heel or ankle discomfort
Pain after prolonged walking
Fatigue during physical activity
Difficulty standing for long periods
Lower-leg discomfort
Frequent tripping
Balance difficulties
Difficulty participating in sports
Uneven or altered walking patterns

Pain can sometimes occur in areas away from the foot because changes in foot mechanics may influence movement throughout the lower limb.

How Can Flat Feet Affect Movement?

The feet provide the foundation for standing and movement.

Changes in foot posture can influence how forces are transferred through the ankle, knee and hip during activities such as walking, running and jumping.

However, it is important not to assume that every child with flat feet will develop knee, hip or back problems. Many children with flat feet remain completely active and symptom-free.

A physiotherapy assessment can help determine whether the child’s foot posture is actually contributing to their movement difficulties.

When Should Parents Seek Assessment?

Parents should consider professional assessment if a child has:

Persistent foot pain
Pain during or after exercise
Difficulty walking or running
Frequent falls or tripping
Significant balance difficulties
One foot that looks substantially different from the other
A rigid or stiff flat foot
Difficulty keeping up with other children
Avoidance of physical activities because of discomfort

A sudden change in foot position, significant swelling or severe pain should also be assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional.

How Physiotherapy Can Help Children With Flat Feet

Physiotherapy focuses on the child’s symptoms, movement and functional abilities rather than simply trying to change the appearance of the foot.

At Effective Physiotherapy and Fitness Clinic, a paediatric physiotherapist can assess:

Foot and ankle movement
Lower-limb strength
Balance
Walking pattern
Running mechanics
Flexibility
Functional movement
Pain and activity limitations

Based on the findings, an individualised programme can be developed.

Foot and Ankle Strengthening

Strengthening exercises can help improve the child’s ability to control the foot and ankle during movement.

Exercises may target the muscles of the foot, ankle and lower limb.

Examples can include controlled heel raises, foot-control exercises and age-appropriate resistance exercises.

Calf Strengthening

The calf muscles play an important role in walking, running and jumping.

Appropriate calf-strengthening exercises may improve lower-limb function and help children perform physical activities more effectively.

Balance Training

Children with symptomatic flat feet may sometimes experience balance or lower-limb control difficulties.

Balance exercises can include standing on one leg, stepping activities, reaching tasks and movement games.

These can be adapted according to the child’s age and ability.

Flexibility Exercises

Reduced flexibility in the calf or ankle can influence how the foot functions during walking.

Where appropriate, physiotherapy may incorporate stretching and mobility exercises designed to maintain or improve available range of motion.

Gait and Movement Training

Physiotherapy can assess how the child walks and runs rather than focusing solely on the appearance of their feet.

If an inefficient movement pattern is identified, exercises and functional activities can be used to improve movement control.

Strengthening the Hips and Lower Limbs

The muscles around the hips, knees and ankles work together during movement.

A physiotherapist may therefore include exercises for the entire lower limb rather than concentrating exclusively on the foot.

Activities such as squats, step-ups, lunges and age-appropriate functional exercises may be incorporated when appropriate.

Do Children With Flat Feet Need Orthotics?

Not every child with flat feet needs orthotic insoles.

If a child has painless, flexible flat feet and normal function, treatment may not be required.

For children experiencing pain or functional problems, an appropriately assessed orthotic may sometimes be considered as part of a broader management programme.

Orthotics should be recommended based on an individual assessment rather than simply because a child’s arch appears low.

A physiotherapist can also work with other healthcare professionals when additional assessment or orthotic management is appropriate.

Exercise and Physical Activity

Children with flat feet should generally be encouraged to remain physically active when they are comfortable doing so.

Activities such as walking, swimming, cycling, running and age-appropriate sports can provide opportunities to develop strength, coordination and fitness.

If a child experiences pain during a particular activity, the activity may need to be modified while the underlying problem is assessed.

The goal is to help children remain active rather than unnecessarily restricting their participation.

Why Early Assessment Can Help

A professional assessment can provide parents with a clearer understanding of their child’s feet and movement.

It can distinguish between a normal variation in foot development and a problem that may require intervention.

Physiotherapy can also provide parents with practical exercises and strategies that can be incorporated into the child’s daily routine.

Flat Feet Physiotherapy for Children in Abuja

At Effective Physiotherapy and Fitness Clinic, we provide personalised paediatric physiotherapy for children experiencing foot, ankle and lower-limb difficulties.

Our assessment-led approach considers the child’s symptoms, strength, flexibility, balance, walking pattern and physical activity needs.

Treatment may include strengthening exercises, balance training, flexibility exercises, gait training and functional movement activities.

If your child’s flat feet are causing pain, affecting their walking or limiting their participation in physical activities, contact Effective Physiotherapy and Fitness Clinic to arrange a physiotherapy assessment.

Our team can help you understand your child’s movement needs and develop an appropriate programme to support strength, mobility, confidence and participation.

Healthy feet support active childhoods—and the right physiotherapy approach can help children move with greater comfort and confidence.