Flat Feet in Children (Flexible Flat Feet) – When Is It Normal, and When Should You See a Doctor?
Flat Feet in Children (Flexible Flat Feet) – When Is It Normal, and When Should You See a Doctor?
Author: Dr. Ákos Morvai | November 18, 2025
What is flexible flat foot in children, and why is it generally considered normal?
Many parents get worried when they see that their child has “flat feet”—that is, flat soles and ankles that tilt inward, especially when standing.
In most cases, however, this is a completely natural and temporary condition!
Flexible flat feet (flexible pes planovalgus) are common in childhood and are mainly caused by loose ligaments (so-called ligament laxity).
In such cases:
- the arch of the foot flattens when the child stands,
- However, it reappears when he stands on his tiptoes, curls his big toe, or lets his leg hang down.
This indicates that the arch is still functioning; it is simply flexible —and therefore not pathological!
Why does it develop?
Flexible flat feet are most commonly caused by general ligament laxity.
This occurs in many children, and most outgrow it.
In about one-quarter of cases (25%), a slight shortening of the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) also contributes to the flattening of the arch.
Dr. Ákos Morvai
Chief Pediatric and Neuro-Orthopedic Physician
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How common is it?
There are no precise data for children, because in many cases they outgrow flat feet without anyone noticing.
By adulthood, however, 20–25% of the population is affected by flat feet to some degree.
What can be done?
In most cases , it does not require treatment; it simply:
- observation,
- regular stretching,
- and plenty of physical activity (running, climbing, walking barefoot on different surfaces).
In the vast majority of cases, flat feet correct themselves as the child grows.
Surgery is only considered in rare cases, when the deformity progresses or causes symptoms or pain.
In such cases, however, it is very important to see a specialist in a timely manner, because with early detection, even minimally invasive surgery may be sufficient to correct the position of the foot.
If you are unsure or would like an orthopedic specialist to examine your child’s feet, as a pediatric orthopedist, I would be happy to help with advice or an examination at .