Is Your Child Walking Differently? When to See a Podiatrist for Flat Feet
Sep 16, 2026
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It's completely normal to feel a bit of worry when you notice your child's feet look flat or they're walking differently than their friends. For most parents, the first concern is whether this will cause long-term pain or trouble with sports later in life.
The good news is that most children are born with flexible flat feet. This means the arch is hidden by a natural fat pad or only appears when they're not standing.
As your child grows and their muscles get stronger, their arch usually becomes more visible. Southwest Foot & Ankle in Scottsdale, Arizona, Petrina C. Lewis, DPM, FACFAS, and Mark T. Lewis, DPM, FACFAS, are here to help you distinguish between normal growth and cases that need a little extra support.
Yes, having flat feet is a normal developmental stage for most young children. According to pediatric research, up to 44% of preschool-aged children have visibly flat feet, but less than 1% of those cases involve a structural deformity that requires surgery.
Most children display what’s called "flexible" flat feet — their arch appears when they’re sitting or on their tiptoes, and their foot functions normally even if it looks flat on the ground.
Clinical guidelines suggest that for children under age six who aren't in pain, watchful waiting is often the best approach. We monitor their progress as they reach school age.
The three main signs you should schedule an evaluation for your child are persistent pain or fatigue, a rigid foot that doesn't arch when on tiptoes, and severe uneven wear on their shoes. Here's a closer look at what to watch for.
If your child complains of aching in their arches, heels, or calves after a day of play, it's a sign their feet are working too hard. You might notice they ask to be carried more often or want to sit out during sports because their legs feel "heavy."
Have your child stand on their tiptoes while you watch from behind. If a clear arch pops up when they rise, they likely have a flexible flat foot. If their foot stays completely flat and rigid against the floor, it's time for a professional exam to rule out structural issues.
Take a look at the bottom of your child's everyday sneakers. If the inside edge of the heel is ground down to the rubber while the outside edge looks brand new, their gait is likely misaligned and putting extra stress on their joints.
Our goal is to keep your child active and comfortable without jumping straight to surgery. Research from the National Institutes of Health shows that allowing children to play barefoot in safe environments, such as grass or sand, can naturally strengthen the tiny muscles in their feet and aid arch development.
If your child is experiencing discomfort, we offer conservative solutions that fit their lifestyle. We often recommend custom orthotics to help realign their foot and take the strain off their muscles.
These inserts don't permanently fix the shape of your child’s foot, but they act like a pair of glasses, providing the support needed to run and jump without pain.
You don't have to guess whether your child's walking pattern is a cause for concern. Getting an expert opinion can give you peace of mind and ensure your child has a strong foundation for the future.
Call Southwest Foot & Ankle at 480-900-7399 or visit us online to schedule a consultation with our team and make sure your child's feet are on the right track.