Year published: 2024
Flat feet are a common condition where the arch of the foot appears to be absent or reduced when standing.
In children, the arch may appear when they sit down, bend their big toe backward or stand on their tiptoes. This indicates a ‘flexible’ flat foot.
It's normal for children to have flat feet until around the age of 3. The foot arch typically develops after this age. Between the ages of 1 and 6 years, many children have flat feet as part of normal foot development. Flat feet in older children usually do not cause problems or indicate future walking issues. Around 95% of children outgrow flat feet and develop a normal arch, while the remaining 5% may continue to have flat feet.
This leaflet has been produced by the APCP MSK committee after a review of literature and where there is a lack of evidence, a consensus of expert opinion is agreed, correct at time of publication. For information about references and evidence searched, please visit our website. APCP https://apcp.csp.org.uk V3 published March 2024 V3 review March 2029