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26/08/2026
If you've noticed your child's feet look flat when they stand, or their shoes wear unevenly, you're not alone — flat feet are one of the most common concerns parents bring to our podiatrists at Fit N Feet Podiatry.
The good news is that flat feet in young children are usually a normal part of development. But there are some signs worth paying attention to, and knowing the difference can save your child from unnecessary discomfort down the track.
Why Do Kids Get Flat Feet?
Children are born with flat feet. The arch that we associate with adult feet develops gradually as the ligaments and muscles in the foot mature — usually somewhere between ages 3 and 10.
However, in a smaller number of children, the arch doesn't develop as expected, or the flat foot pattern causes issues with how they walk, run, and play.
Signs Your Child's Flat Feet Might Need Attention
Not every case of flat feet needs treatment, but it's worth booking a paediatric podiatry assessment if you notice:
Complaints of pain in the feet, ankles, knees, or legs after walking or playing
Frequent tripping or clumsiness compared to other kids their age
Reluctance to join in sport or physical activity
Shoes that wear unevenly or wear out quickly
Your child seems to tire more easily than their peers during activity
Visible rolling in of the ankles when standing or walking
If any of these sound familiar, it doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong — but a podiatry assessment can give you clarity and peace of mind.
What Happens at a Paediatric Foot Assessment
At Fit N Feet Podiatry, our podiatrists assess:
Gait — how your child walks and runs
Arch development — whether the arch is progressing as expected for their age
Footwear — whether current shoes are supporting healthy foot development
Flexibility and strength — checking how the foot and ankle move and function
From there, we'll let you know whether what you're seeing is a normal stage of development, or whether a treatment plan would help — which might include specific exercises, footwear advice, or custom orthotics for growing feet.
Will My Child Grow Out of It?
Many children do outgrow flat feet naturally by their early teens. However, if your child is in pain, avoiding activity, or showing signs of discomfort, waiting it out isn't always the best approach. Early intervention is often simpler and more effective than addressing a problem once it's more established.
Book a Paediatric Podiatry Assessment
You don't need a doctor's referral to book a private appointment with our podiatrists. If you're in Annerley, Runcorn, Capalaba, or Waterford West and have questions about your child's feet, we're here to help.
Book Online if you are convern about your child's flat feet
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