Last reviewed: September 29, 2026

Usually not. Most young children have flat feet, and the arch usually forms on its own, often by about age 10. Arch height varies from person to person, and flat feet can run in families. Some children keep flat feet into adulthood. Even then, flat feet usually do not cause pain or get in the way of walking, sports or work.

The common kind is a flexible flat foot. When the child stands flat, there seems to be no arch. When the child stands on tiptoe, the arch appears. It usually causes no pain. In one study, children with flat feet did just as well as other children on tests of athletic skill.

Special shoes and arch supports do not make an arch form. In a randomized trial, children wore corrective shoes or inserts for at least three years. Their feet improved no more than those of children who wore nothing special. All the groups improved with growth, which is why these treatments can seem to work. Surveys have found many children being treated who did not need it.

When flat feet hurt, arch supports may make the foot more comfortable, although the evidence is weak. Store-bought inserts appear to work about as well as custom ones. A tight heel cord is often part of a painful flat foot, and stretching may help.

Surgery for a flexible flat foot is rare. It is considered only when pain limits normal activities and has not improved after a long period of other treatment.

Some flat feet are not the normal kind, and these should be seen by a doctor sooner. Warning signs are a stiff foot, pain, only one flat foot, or a flat foot in a child with muscle or nerve problems. Causes include bones in the foot that are joined together (tarsal coalition), a rare ankle bone problem present at birth, and some conditions of the nerves, muscles or joints.

In general:

  • A flat foot that is flexible and painless needs no treatment.
  • See your child’s doctor soon for foot pain, a stiff foot, or only one flat foot.
  • If inserts are suggested, ask whether store-bought ones are enough before buying custom ones.

Drafted with AI assistance from published sources, reviewed and edited by Babak Sheikh, MD.

Sources:

This is general information about what published research shows. It is not medical advice and it is not about your situation. Reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship with me. I am a retired orthopedic surgeon and I do not see patients. Talk with your own doctor before changing anything about your care. If something feels suddenly or seriously wrong, get medical care promptly rather than waiting.

This page is provided as is. I make no guarantee that it is accurate, complete or current, and medical evidence changes. Use of it is at your own risk.

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