Rationale: Flexible flatfoot is a normal physiological variant commonly found in both children and adults. In the absence of pain and when an arch is visible when the child stands on tiptoes, a rigid flatfoot that requires further evaluation can be ruled out. Parents or guardians can continue to monitor the child and seek medical attention if symptoms develop. Custom-made shoes or insoles do not influence the development of the foot arch.
References:
• Wenger DR, Mauldin D, Speck G. Morgan D, Lieber RL. Corrective shoes and inserts as treatment for flexible flatfoot in infants and children. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1989 Jul;71(6):800-810.
• Staheli LT, Chew DE, Corbett M. The longitudinal arch: A survey of eight hundred and eightytwo feet in normal children and adults. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1987 Mar;69(3):426-428