Flatfoot After Age 9

Some children who are born with flatfoot do not develop arches as they grow, and continue to be flat-footed after the age of 8 or 9 when it is no longer considered normal. In most cases this condition is painless, but it can cause knee and ankle problems due to misalignment of the foot and leg muscles. The condition is often treated with custom arch supports inserted into the shoes. In some cases, more significant support is required such as an in-shoe brace. Special stretching exercises for the calf muscles may also be prescribed. In rare cases, foot surgery may be recommended to correct severe flatfoot that causes painful symptoms that aren’t resolved by foot orthotics.