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When children take their first steps, every parent watches with excitement (and maybe a little worry). As they grow, you might start to notice their feet looking “flatter” than yours, or their shoes wearing out unevenly. You might also notice that their footprints look odd when you’re at the beach. Sometimes, their grandparents will comment, “Wah, why is my grandchild walking like that? Can you ask somebody to check?” If you’ve ever wondered whether this is normal or something to be concerned about, you’re not alone. These questions are more common than you think, because flat feet in children are a condition that many parents encounter during the growing years, especially in Singapore.
Flat feet in children, or medically called paediatric pes planus, are common — but not always harmless. While some kids outgrow it without problems, others may develop pain, awkward walking patterns, trips and falls easily, or struggle with sports. This is where podiatry for children comes in: to guide parents through what’s normal, what’s not, and when to seek help from a children’s foot specialist.
Simply put, flat feet occur when the arch of the foot is lower than usual, causing most of the sole to touch the ground when standing. For toddlers, this is often perfectly normal — their bones, muscles, and ligaments are still developing, and the arch may not be visible yet. Many children “grow into” their arches as they get older. You should typically see an arch forming between the ages 2 to 4.
However, in some cases, the arches remain flat beyond the early years, or they cause discomfort that affects daily life. If your child frequently complains of leg or heel pain, avoids sports, or struggles to keep up with friends at the playground, their feet may require attention.
For some children, flat feet don’t cause any issues. But for others, the impact can be significant. Imagine your child at recess, eager to join a game of basketball or soccer, but sitting out after just a few minutes because their legs feel tired. Or during a family overseas holiday, your child is lagging behind and asking to rest because their feet hurt. These everyday scenarios show how untreated flat feet can quietly affect a child’s ability to enjoy both school and family activities.
Children may not always use the words “my feet hurt.” Instead, they might say their legs are tired, or you may notice that they avoid sports they used to enjoy. Uneven shoe wear — especially if shoes wear out quickly on one side — can also be a subtle clue. For the little ones, they tend to ask to be carried instead of walking on their own.
The most common question we get asked is whether flat feet in children simply disappear with age. The truth is, some kids do outgrow it naturally as their bones and muscles strengthen, and we call that “developmental flat foot”. But for others, the condition persists into their teenage years and adulthood. The important question is not only whether the feet look flat, but whether the flatness causes pain, fatigue, or difficulties in walking and running.
Besides signs and symptoms, another important factor that determines the chance of “outgrowing” is the child’s underlying health. Some health conditions often lead to a high likelihood of permanent flat feet, which we classify as “non-developmental flat foot” (does not improve with growth). The reason is that such conditions often cause ligament laxity (or joint hypermobility), which means their joints tend to stretch out more easily under load.
The last factor that determines the “outgrowing” chances is the type of flat feet that your child has. Broadly, this is categorised into two types: rigid or flexible.
If your child struggles with any of these issues, it may be time to explore treatment options. Early support can help prevent discomfort and allow kids to participate fully in the activities they love.
Most parents tend to look back at their family tree to see who’s responsible. It’s true, sometimes it’s simply a family trait — if mum or dad had flat feet, the chances are higher for the child. But in many other cases, tight calf muscles and Achilles tendons, or unusually flexible joints, play a role. Flat feet may also develop when children spend long hours in shoes without proper support. Not every cause can be easily identified and prevented, so understanding them helps you make informed choices about your child’s footwear and activity.
Your child can carry a higher baseline risk if he or she has:
Flat feet themselves are usually painless; the pain often comes from the secondary issue that it leads to. This is because the collapsed arches alter the mechanics and function of the foot, adding more stress to our bones, joints, and tendons. It is like driving a car with a punctured tyre; continuing to drive is going to cause damage to your rims, suspension, and axles eventually.
Commonly associated painful paediatric foot conditions include:
If your child has a rigid flat foot, treatment is necessary. Otherwise, not always. Many children grow up without problems. But if pain, fatigue, tripping, or posture issues arise, it’s best to see a children’s foot specialist. A children’s podiatrist will first assess how your child walks, runs, and balances. They may check muscle strength, flexibility, and posture. From there, management can range from simple advice on choosing supportive shoes to exercises that strengthen the arches and improve alignment. In some cases, specially made foot braces or insoles are recommended to support the feet, reduce strain, and improve posture.
These measures can’t always “cure” flat feet in the sense of permanently changing foot structure, but they help children move more comfortably, reduce pain, and stay active. Think of it like wearing glasses: they don’t correct vision, but they allow you to see clearly.
A multi-pronged treatment approach is often necessary to improve the foot posture, starting with:
Next, reduce the risk of injuries by supporting each step the child takes:
If the child continues to struggle to balance and keep up with their peers:
Parents can also play a big role in managing flat feet. Choosing well-fitted, supportive kids’ shoes makes a difference, as does encouraging active play that strengthens the legs and feet, like cycling or swimming. Doing exercises at home — even something as simple as tiptoe walking across the living room — can be made into a fun activity.
But perhaps most importantly, listening to your child matters. If they frequently mention discomfort or avoid activities they used to enjoy, it may be time for a check-up.
The difference a treatment can make for children with flat feet can be life-changing. Seeing your child, who struggles to play football because of sore feet, not only makes you feel bad, but also makes him sad. Sometimes, with just guidance to get the right shoes or get a pair of insoles, they get to achieve their dreams. These changes for a child can mean the freedom to fully enjoy their childhood.
Parents sometimes feel guilty, wondering if they “missed” the signs earlier. The truth is, flat feet often go unnoticed until they start causing issues. What matters most is recognising the signs now and seeking help when needed. You can also spread the awareness in your parents’ support group so that more children can get the help they need.
If you notice your child frequently tripping, complaining of leg or heel pain, avoiding sports, or wearing out shoes unevenly, it’s a good idea to consult a podiatrist. Remember, not every case of children’s flat feet requires intervention, but professional guidance helps you know whether to watch and wait or to begin treatment.
The earlier potential problems are addressed, the easier it is to keep your child active and confident. Paediatric podiatry focuses on prevention and support, ensuring children can walk, run, and play without limitations.
Flat feet are a common part of childhood, but they don’t always need to hold children back. At Straits Podiary, we provide the right attention and guidance so that your kids can enjoy school sports, family outings, and everyday adventures without being limited by foot pain. Managing flat feet for children is about more than just fixing arches — it’s about giving your child the freedom to move with confidence.
If you’ve noticed signs of flat feet or an odd walking pattern in your child, book an appointment with our podiatrists today. Early care can make all the difference.
Yes, it is very common for toddlers and young children to appear flat-footed. At this age, the arches are not fully developed, and a layer of baby fat often hides them. For most children, the arches gradually become more visible by the age of 4 to 5. However, if your child complains of pain, struggles to walk long distances, or shows unusual walking patterns, it’s worth having a podiatrist check early before further issues develop.
Flat feet in children don’t always cause long-term problems. Many actually grow up without pain or difficulty. However, in some cases, persistent flat feet can lead to issues such as heel pain, shin splints, or knee discomfort as children become more active in sports. This is particularly due to the misalignment from flat feet, putting extra strain on the bones, joints, and tendons over time. Tackling the symptoms early ensures that children can stay active without these problems following them into adolescence and adulthood.
Not at all, in fact, it is better for the child to be more active. Many children with flat feet enjoy sports without any issues. The key factor is whether flat feet are causing pain or affecting your child’s ability to participate in sports. If it does, it means that your child requires further support and guidance to achieve a better quality of life. Your child may need orthoses and the right shoes to continue playing comfortably. With the right support, children can run, jump, and compete just as actively as their peers. This is how early podiatry care helps children perform better and with greater confidence in physical activities.
For painless, flexible flat feet that are within normal range, treatment may not be needed at all — just monitoring. However, if there is discomfort or fatigue, a podiatrist may recommend supportive footwear, stretching exercises, or custom orthoses (specialised insoles) to improve alignment and relieve strain. In rare cases of rigid or severe flat feet, further medical intervention may be considered, but surgery is uncommon in children.
You should consider seeing a paediatric podiatrist if your child complains of foot, leg, or knee pain; struggles to run or do sports; trips frequently; or if you notice unusual shoe wear. It’s also worth seeking advice if flat feet persist beyond childcare age and seem to affect posture or activity. A podiatrist can perform a thorough assessment, explain whether the condition is within the normal range of development, and suggest appropriate management or reassurance.