Should kids with flat feet wear orthotics?

Whether children with flat feet should wear orthotics (i.e. "arch pads" or "orthopedic insoles") depends mainly on the child's specific situation and the doctor's advice.

Flat feet, that is, low or absent arches, are relatively common in children, especially infants and preschoolers, whose foot bones, muscles and ligaments are not fully developed, so many of them have physiological flat feet. As they grow older and gain weight, the arches of some children will gradually form and return to normal.

For children with physiological flat feet who are asymptomatic or have only mild symptoms, special treatment is usually not required, and they do not need to wear orthotics. Parents can encourage their children to engage in appropriate physical activities, such as barefoot walking and running, to stimulate the development of the arch.

However, if a child's flat feet are accompanied by symptoms such as pain, abnormal gait, and interference with daily activities, it may be pathological flat feet, and medical treatment should be sought in time. The doctor will comprehensively evaluate whether Orthotics Insoles For Children Mild Flat Foot or other treatment measures are needed based on the child's specific situation, such as age, severity of symptoms, and arch development.