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Patient Questions  /  Flat feet in kids

Kids & Babies

Are Flat Feet Normal in Kids?

Yes. Almost all babies and toddlers have flat-looking feet, and the arch usually develops slowly through early childhood. Many kids and adults keep flexible flat feet that never cause any trouble. Flat feet are worth checking if they hurt, feel stiff, or affect only one foot.

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Why young kids have flat feet

Babies and toddlers have a pad of fat under the arch, and their joints are loose and flexible. As children grow and get stronger, the arch usually shows up more. This happens at different ages for different kids.

Most flat feet in children are flexible. That means the arch appears when your child stands on tiptoes or sits with feet hanging, then flattens when they stand. Flexible flat feet that don't hurt are a normal variation and usually don't need treatment.

When flat feet may need attention

  • Pain in the foot, ankle or leg, especially with activity.
  • Stiffness. The arch doesn't appear on tiptoes, or the foot doesn't move easily.
  • One side only. One foot is much flatter than the other.
  • Your child tires quickly, avoids running, or trips more than others their age.

What helps

For flat feet that don't hurt, let your child go barefoot on safe surfaces and play actively. Special shoes or inserts haven't been shown to build an arch in kids with painless flat feet. Choose comfortable, well-fitting shoes for sports and long days.

When to see a doctor

See your child's pediatrician promptly if:

  • Foot, ankle or leg pain that keeps coming back
  • A stiff foot, or no arch even when standing on tiptoes
  • Flat foot on one side only
  • A limp, or flat feet that seem to be getting worse

How physical therapy at ARI can help

If flat feet come with pain, tired legs or trouble keeping up, a physical therapist can check foot and ankle motion, strength and balance. Treatment focuses on strength, flexibility and active play. Parents are involved in visits and get a home program, and we coordinate with your child's pediatrician.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi. We can usually see new pediatric patients within 1–2 weeks.

Read our full guide: Pediatric physical therapy →

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed October 2026