Flat feet facts for kids

Flat feet (also called a fallen arch) is when the arches on the inside of your feet are very low, or your whole foot touches the ground when you stand. It's quite common for children to have flat feet, and often their arches develop normally as they grow older. For adults, flat feet can sometimes cause problems with how their arches work. The opposite condition, which is less common, is called a High arch.

What are Flat Feet?

Flat feet mean that the natural curve on the inside of your foot, called the arch, isn't there or is very low. When you stand, your entire foot might press flat against the floor.

Why Do People Have Flat Feet?

There are a few reasons why someone might have flat feet:

• Flexible Flat Feet: This is the most common type. When you stand, your arch flattens, but when you sit or stand on your tiptoes, the arch reappears. This type usually doesn't cause pain.
• Stiff Flat Feet: This is less common. The arch stays flat even when you're not standing. This type can sometimes cause pain and might need more attention from a doctor.
• Genetics: Sometimes, flat feet run in families, meaning you might inherit them from your parents.
• Injuries or Conditions: Rarely, flat feet can be caused by an injury or certain medical conditions that affect the bones or tendons in your feet.

Do Flat Feet Cause Problems?

Many people with flat feet never have any pain or issues. For children, it's often a normal part of growing up, and their arches develop over time.

However, some people, especially adults, might experience:

• Pain in the arch, heel, or ankle.
• Tired feet after standing or walking for a long time.
• Difficulty with certain sports or activities.

If flat feet cause pain or make it hard to do daily activities, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor. They can check your feet and suggest ways to help, like special shoe inserts or exercises.

Images for kids

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  Foot with a typical arch

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  A child's flat feet often develop arches, like their mother's feet.

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  A woman showing flat feet, where the arch is missing.

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  Flatfoot in an adult, sometimes linked to ankle and knee issues.

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  A type of flat foot where the soft tissue around the foot is swollen.

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  An X-ray of a flat foot, showing a special bone connection that can cause the flat shape.

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  An X-ray showing how doctors measure the angle of bones in the foot.

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  An X-ray showing how doctors measure the angle of the heel bone. A small angle can mean flat feet.

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  An X-ray showing how doctors measure another angle in the foot to check for flat feet.

See also

In Spanish: Pie plano para niños