Flexible Flatfoot

Flexible flatfoot is a very common condition in which a child has a very low arch, or no arch at all in their foot. Usually this is painless and requires no treatment at all. If painful, orthotic arch supports and Achilles tendon stretching may help. Some children and adolescents with flexible flatfeet develop pain and calluses that do not get better with the use of arch supports. In these cases, surgery may be recommended once the child’s feet are fully developed (typically around age 12).