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Flexible Flatfoot in Children

Last updated: February 7, 2026 Medically reviewed by: RxHarun Orthopedic Specialist Doctor Reading time: 2 min read

Flexible Flatfoot, or Pes Planus, is a condition that causes the arch of the foot to temporarily collapse. The arch is not visible when the child stands and re-appears while sitting or when the foot is left hanging freely. The condition may be congenital and affects both the feet. In most cases, it gets resolved as the child attains the age of 5 years. It is considered serious if the child feels pain or does not develop an arch even after this age.

Flexible Flatfoot usually does not hinder the foot’s movement or ability of the child to participate in physical activities. With the growth of the bones and soft tissue structures, the child tends to develop a normal arch.

Causes

  • Flexible Flatfoot may be an inherited problem
  • A tight Achilles tendon may cause the arch to collapse

Symptoms

  • Pain may be felt at the base of the foot or near the arch
  • Visibly flattened foot while weight bearing
  • Altered gait
  • The child may complain of stiffness or tiredness after a physical activity. He may also feel pain in the legs and knees
  • Shoes may be worn out on the inner side due to the inward tilt of the foot (overpronation)

Diagnosis

  • Detailed examination of the feet to check if the collapse of arch is rigid or flexible
  • Details of the family history may be taken into consideration
  • The doctor may ask the child to stand on toes, sit, walk or stand to check for the deformity
  • X-ray examination may be required to check the bone structure and condition of the Achilles tendon besides other soft tissue structures

Treatment

Treatment for Flexible Flatfoot generally includes conservative methods. Some of them are:

  • Use of orthotic devices or shoe inserts can help in maintaining the arch and relieving the pain
  • Specific stretching exercises may be practised for eliminating the symptoms and improving the functionality of the joint
  • Physical therapy sessions may help to reduce the tightness in the Achilles’ tendon and improve the foot biomechanics
  • Surgery may be recommended if the condition worsens or persists beyond adolescence. It may be done to relieve the tight Achilles tendon
  • Surgical lengthening of the heel bone using a bone graft may be required in some cases

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

References

Add references, clinical guidelines, textbooks, journal articles, or trusted medical sources here. You can edit this area later with a custom field named _rx_references.

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Written by Dr. Harun Ar Rashid, MD - Arthritis, Bones, Joints Pain, Trauma, and Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Md. Harun Ar Rashid, MPH, MD, PhD, is a highly respected medical specialist celebrated for his exceptional clinical expertise and unwavering commitment to patient care. With advanced qualifications including MPH, MD, and PhD, he integrates cutting-edge research with a compassionate approach to medicine, ensuring that every patient receives personalized and effective treatment. His extensive training and hands-on experience enable him to diagnose complex conditions accurately and develop innovative treatment strategies tailored to individual needs. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Harun Ar Rashid is dedicated to medical education and research, writing and inventory creative thinking, innovative idea, critical care managementing make in his community to outreach, often participating in initiatives that promote health awareness and advance medical knowledge. His career is a testament to the high standards represented by his credentials, and he continues to contribute significantly to his field, driving improvements in both patient outcomes and healthcare practices. Born and educated in Bangladesh, Dr. Rashid earned his BPT from the University of Dhaka before pursuing postgraduate training internationally. He completed his MD in Internal Medicine at King’s College London, where he developed a special interest in inflammatory arthritis and metabolic bone disease. He then undertook a PhD in Orthopedic Science at the University of Oxford, conducting pioneering research on cytokine signaling pathways in rheumatoid arthritis. Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Rashid returned to clinical work with a fellowship in interventional pain management at the Rx University School of Medicine, refining his skills in image-guided joint injections and minimally invasive pain-relief techniques.