Why Does My Child Have Flat Feet?

Understanding the root cause of flat foot condition (pes planus) helps in choosing the right corrective strategy.

 

There are two primary reasons children develop flat feet:

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Cause 1: Inheritance

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Physiological Low-Arched Feet

If you or your family members naturally have low arches, there is a higher probability of flat foot in kids within the family. However, not all inherited flat feet are identical.

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If the foot arch remains flat during both sitting and standing, the bones are naturally structured low from birth.

 

This is known as physiological low-arched feet, which is a genetic structural trait and often doesn't cause pain.

 

Ligament Laxity / Hypermobility (Flexible Flat Feet)

If the foot arch is visible when sitting or standing on tiptoes, but flattens completely upon standing weight-bearing, this is classified as flexible flat feet.

 

Here, the ligaments surrounding the foot and ankle are too soft to support body weight. This joint hypermobility is inherited, and flexible flat feet are the direct result.

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Cause 2: Growth Spurt

Rapid growth is another major cause of flat foot temporary collapse in growing children.

 

When height increases rapidly (e.g., gaining 1 cm per month), calf muscles and tendons may struggle to keep pace with rapid bone elongation in the lower legs.

 

This length disparity causes calf tightness, limited ankle mobility, a wide-stance gait, and eventual arch collapse.

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Now that you understand how children develop flat feet, how do we treat flat feet?