Pediatric Foot Care
Pediatric Flat Feet
Causes, symptoms, and treatment for flat feet in children, with care at 15 clinics across Middle Tennessee.
Understanding flat feet in children and your options.
Flat feet in children means the inner arch is low or seems to disappear when the child stands. Many babies and toddlers have flat feet because their arches are still forming. Most children's arches develop as they grow.
Some kids have flat feet that do not cause any trouble. Others may get tired legs, sore feet, or clumsy walking. A check helps tell normal growth from a foot that needs more support.
Symptoms
Signs of flat feet in children.
If you notice these signs, an exam can give you clear answers.
- 01
Feet that look flat when standing
- 02
Tired or achy feet and legs after play
- 03
Shoes wearing down on the inner edge
- 04
Ankles that roll inward when walking
Why it happens
What can cause flat feet in children.
- 01
Normal foot growth in young children
- 02
Loose joints and flexible ligaments
- 03
Family history of flat feet
- 04
A stiff foot from a joint condition
Diagnosis and care
How we treat flat feet in children.
Step 1 · Diagnosis
We watch your child stand, walk, and rise up on their toes to see if an arch appears. We also check how flexible the foot is. X-rays can help if the foot is stiff, painful, or looks different than expected.
Step 2 · Treatment
Most flexible flat feet need no treatment. If your child has pain, supportive shoes and custom orthotics may help. Stretching and strengthening exercises with physical therapy can also support the foot. We may suggest limiting long barefoot walks on hard floors if the feet ache.
Surgery is rarely needed in children. It may be considered only for stiff or painful flat feet that do not improve with other care.
Recovery
What to expect over time.
Many children outgrow flexible flat feet or feel fine as they grow. When treatment is needed, comfort often improves over weeks to months.
When to book
Do not wait it out.
See a podiatrist if your child limps, complains of foot pain, or avoids play. Come in sooner if the foot is stiff or one foot looks very different from the other.
Call 615-220-8788FAQ
Your questions answered.
Will my child's arch develop on its own?
In many children it does, as the foot grows and muscles strengthen. We can check if it needs support.
Do flat feet stop kids from playing sports?
Most kids with flexible flat feet play sports well. If there is pain, we can help find the right support.
Get help with flat feet in children.
Where we treat it
Pediatric Flat Feet care at 15 clinics.
- Brentwood10644 Concord Road
- Clarksville1762 Memorial Dr
- Columbia1215 Hatcher Lane
- Cookeville120 Walnut Commons Lane, Suite A
- Gallatin179 Hancock St, Suite 300
- Goodlettsville824 Wren Rd
- Hermitage3901 Central Pike, Suite 353
- Lebanon430 West Main Street
- Mount Juliet2628 North Mount Juliet Road
- Murfreesboro536 N Thompson Ln, Suite F
- Nashville300 20th Avenue North, Suite 103
- Pulaski306 South 7th Street
- Shelbyville120 Frank Martin Rd, Suite 200
- Smyrna693 President Pl, Suite 103
- Waverly110 Hillwood Drive