Should I be concerned about my child’s flat feet?

Flat feet are common in babies and toddlers due to a natural fat pad in the arch area, which gives the appearance of a flat foot. This is usually nothing to worry about—most children begin to develop visible arches by age 5 or 6 as the fat pad decreases and their muscles and ligaments strengthen.

However, some children continue to have flat feet due to factors like:

• Genetics: Family history can play a big role.
  
  
• Muscle tightness or weakness: Especially in the Achilles tendon or foot muscles.
  
  
• Excess weight: Added pressure can affect arch development.
  
  
• Poor footwear: Shoes lacking arch support may hinder proper growth.
  
  
• Activity level: High-impact play or prolonged standing can contribute to flat feet.

Should I be concerned about my child’s flat feet?

It’s common for parents to overlook flat feet if their child isn’t in pain. However, early evaluation is important—it can help address underlying issues early and support healthy, long-term foot development.

Left untreated, flat feet may lead to complications in adulthood, such as:

• Arch pain from strain on weakened muscles and ligaments
  
  
• Bunions caused by altered foot mechanics
  
  
• Hammer toes due to muscle imbalance and joint pressure
  
  
• Knee and hip pain resulting from poor alignment
  
  
• Lower back pain linked to postural issues and improper gait

Addressing flat feet early can reduce the risk of long-term discomfort and help your child stay active and pain-free as they grow.

How do I know if my child has flat feet?

Flat feet can be hard to detect, especially if there are no obvious symptoms. Here are some simple ways to tell if your child might need a podiatric evaluation:

• Visual check: When standing, the arches may look low or completely flat, with the entire sole touching the ground.
  
  
• Footprint test: Have your child step on paper with wet feet. A full imprint of the sole may indicate flat feet, while a curved middle suggests normal arches.
  
  
• Pain after activity: Watch for complaints of pain in the arches, heels, or ankles, especially after walking or playing.
  
  
• Gait changes: Look for signs of overpronation (feet rolling inward) or outward hip rotation while walking.
  
  
• Uneven shoe wear: Excess wear on the inner sides of shoes can signal alignment issues often linked to flat feet.

If you notice any of these signs, a visit to the podiatrist can help determine whether treatment is needed.

The solution to flat feet in children

HyProCure is a minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to correct the root cause of flat feet by stabilizing the misalignment between the ankle and heel. A small titanium stent is placed in a natural space between these bones, helping to realign the foot and restore proper arch function.

The procedure is safe for children as young as three and typically takes just 45 minutes. It doesn’t require any pins, screws, or drilling, and most patients experience minimal discomfort afterward. Many return to regular activities within just a few weeks.

Before and after Hyprocure

While results vary, many children experience significant improvement. One inspiring example is 10-year-old Lola, who struggled with chronic foot pain and an abnormal gait. After being treated by Dr. Foster, Lola was able to walk up to 10 miles a day during a family trip to New York City—something that would have been impossible before surgery. “This was a colossal accomplishment for her,” said her mother, Lindsey Smothers. “We’re forever grateful to Dr. Foster and his team.” Click here to read the whole story!