Flat Feet in Babies: Is It Normal or a Cause for Concern?

You read somewhere that flat feet can cause pain or affect walking. And with this half found knowledge you suddenly checked your little one’s feet and notice no arch. But hey mommy! Don’t panic. Flat feet in babies and toddlers are actually very normal as most their arches haven’t developed yet. However, as your child grows, the arch usually forms naturally during childhood.

So, the real question is: when to worry about babies with flat feet. Only if your child starts experiencing pain, swelling, or trouble walking. If the feet arches don’t develop properly, later they can sometimes cause issues like heel pain (plantar fasciitis), ankle pain (Achilles tendonitis), misaligned toes, fatigue, or even lower back pain.

But here’s the good news: if your child has flat feet and no pain, you don’t need to stress or rush to treatment. If pain or discomfort does show up, early evaluation by a doctor can help.

So the simple answer for your query, “Are flat feet normal in babies?” Babies usually have flat feet because their arches haven’t developed yet. The arch often forms later in  their childhood. If arches don’t develop and cause pain, consult a doctor; if there’s no pain, treatment isn’t necessary.

Read Also: Flat Feet in Women: Causes, Symptoms & Best Treatment Options

What is a Flat Feet?

Flat feet is a common condition where you will notice that arches on the inside of the feet are either very low or not present. This causes the entire sole to touch the ground when standing. This could happen in kids when their arches are not develop fully. 

You can notice flat feet in adults due to aging, injury, or wear and tear. Most people with flat feet don’t have pain, however some can feel aches or swelling around the arch or ankle. If it’s not troubling, you or kids usually don’t need treatment.

What is the Other Names for Flat Feet

The other common names of flat feet are:

• Pes planus
• Fallen arches
• Overpronation

Read Also: Paediatric Orthopaedics: Common Bone & Joint Problems In Children

Why Arch on Your Feet is Important?

You may not notice but the arch on your feet play a very crucial role such as:

• Proper weight distribution of the body.
• give strength, balance, and flexibility to the feet and legs
• They absorb shock so that your steps is softer and less tiring. 
• They support your body weight.
• Help you walk upright comfortably.
• Help feet adapt to uneven ground.
• They safeguard important nerves and blood vessels in the soles.

Read Also: Common Pediatric Surgeries Every Parent Should Know About

Are Flat Feet Normal in Babies

Yes, as new parents you must have panicked but relax; flat feet are totally normal in babies. Most newborns and toddlers have flat feet because their arches haven’t fully formed yet and their foot muscles are still soft and flexible. 

As your child grows, arches usually start to form naturally by the age of 4 to 6 years. The arches develop faster during the first 2 years (until age 3 years); unless there’s pain or stiffness, flat feet in babies don’t need treatment, as they are just a part of healthy growth.

What are the Causes of Flat Feet in Babies?

If after a certain age your child has not developed the arches leading to flat feet, then the following could be the reason behind this:

1. Genetics

Family history can be one of the reasons for flatter arches that don’t develop with age.

2. Abnormal Bone Development 

There can be issues in proper bone development, like if bones in the foot don’t separate or are fused. This prevents arches from forming.

3. Tight Achilles Tendons

Short or stiff heel cords prevent proper arch formation over time.

4. Neuromuscular Problems

Neuro disorders like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy can affect the formation or structure of foot bones and muscles.

5. Hypermobility or Double-Jointedness

Extra flexible joint motion makes it difficult for arches to retain their shape, causing  flat feet.

6. Obesity

The unnecessary fat or weight of the body puts strain, contributing to flat feet.

7. Diabetes

Long-term high sugar/glucose levels can affect tendons and ligaments, leading to flat feet.

8. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (inflammation and stiffness of the joints in kids) can weaken tendons, leading to flat feet.
 

Signs of Flat Feet in Infants

Infants usually do not have arches and it's totally normal, but if in their childhood they do not develop them, this can lead to flat feet. If your child is experiencing pain, then you should consult the doctor.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Flat Feet are:

• Foot pain, specifically in the heel or arch area
• Heel tilting outward
• Walking with an unusual gait
• Unbalanced shoulders
• Spine misalignment
• The inner ankles rolling inward (overpronation)
• Restricted motion
• Kids withdrawing from activity
• Awkward walking
• Foot pain that increases with activity
• Ankle swelling
• Tight heel cords (tightness of the Achilles tendon)

My 10 Year Old Has Flat Feet: The Treatment for Flat Feet in Babies

For most children, having flat feet is not a cause for concern because it is a natural part of your their development. Most of the kids will outgrow the condition and develop a normal arch.

But you should consult the doctor if the following situation:

1. your child is above 5 years old with no proper foot arch, and is experiencing painful or stiff flat feet.
2. if the foot arch has collapsed, leading to a very broad splayed foot.
3. your child trips or falls quickly more often.

Also look for these signs of flat feet issues in your child:

1. Calf pain and tiredness of the legs after extensive activities
2. Frequent tripping over their feet
3. Unbalanced shoulders
4. Spine misalignment
5. Walking with a weird gait

After a proper diagnosis, your doctor suggests the following treatment for flat feet in babies/children:

1. Arch support insoles (orthotic devices) act like custom-designed arch supports.
2. Custom orthotics to align the feet.
3. Stretching exercises to improve flexibility.
4. Supportive footwear to reduce discomfort while walking and playing.
5. Physical therapy to encourage healthy foot function.
6. Surgery (rare cases): To address severe cases, if other treatments fail. The surgery may be needed to fix bone or tendon issues.

Consult the Best Pediatric Orthopedic at Surya Hospitals

Parenting comes with a package of worries, especially about your child’s growth. If you notice any foot or walking problems, you just need to stay calm and get expert advice at Surya Hospitals. We provides experienced pediatric orthopedic specialists for the best child care and proper guidance. We ensure sure your child’s development stays on track so that you can maintain your peace of mind.

FAQs

Q1: What is flat feet childhood arch development?
A: Babies are generally born with flat feet, but their arches usually develop between ages 2 to 10. This happen later as their foot muscles and bones grow stronger and more defined.

Q2: How pediatric flat foot diagnosis is done?
A: Doctors can diagnose pediatric flat foot by:

• Looking at the foot’s appearance and flexibility
• Checking the inner sides of  kids feet
• Using X-rays to see bone structure 
• EOS imaging, or MRIs

Q3: When to worry about flat feet babies?
A: Flat feet are normal in kids but you need to worry if your child has pain, walking problems, ankle swelling or one foot looks different from the other. Doctor may suggest the appropriate treatment if needed.