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For Therapists, Gross Motor, Physical Therapy ·

4 Child Flat Feet Exercises By A Pediatric Therapist

Flat feet, or pes planus, occur when the arch of the foot is not fully developed. We see this presentation for a variety of reasons. Flat feet can stem from increased or decreased muscle tone or foot and ankle weakness. What can you do for a child with flat feet? Typically, the foot position and alignment in children don’t stabilize until around 7-8 years of age, so until then we can utilize targeted child flat feet exercises to elicit great results in building up arches and foot/ankle stability in children.

Contents hide
Child Flat Feet Exercises by a Pediatric Therapist
1. Single Limb Balance
2. Marble Pick Up with Feet
3. Balancing on Narrow Surfaces
4. Walking Across Uneven Terrain
About The Author
Thank You

Child Flat Feet Exercises by a Pediatric Therapist


Below are a few ways to combat flat feet, when caused by decreased muscle tone or muscle weakness. On top of trying some of these safe and effective flat feet exercises at home, it is also recommended that you check in with your toddler or child’s PT for a better understanding of why their arch hasn’t fully developed and to get a full evaluation to get started on a tailored treatment plan!

1. Single Limb Balance

Challenging your child’s balance is a great way to elicit the use of the small muscles within the foot as well as muscles around the ankle to build up stability and work on the development of the arch of the foot.

If standing on one foot is too challenging, try placing the opposite foot on a ball, or try standing with one foot directly in front of the other for easier variations. If standing on one foot is too easy, grab a pillow and have them balance on that for a more dynamic surface.

Still, need more of a challenge? Practice throwing and catching, reaching for bubbles, or spelling out the ABCs in the air with the opposite foot.

 single-limb-balance

2. Marble Pick Up with Feet

Have your child practice picking up marbles or small objects with their feet/toes!

This exercise will focus on the activation of all the smaller muscles within the foot called the intrinsic muscles. Begin this exercise in a sitting position. Then, once your kiddo has mastered that, have them try it standing up to encourage single-leg balance on the opposite leg.

3. Balancing on Narrow Surfaces

Grab a half foam roll if you have one. If not, you can use the edge of a curb, tree roots outside, or a small rolled-up towel!

Have your child stand so their heels and toes are hanging off the edge of the surface and practice maintaining balance there. If that is too easy, work on some stepping side to side on the surface for an added challenge. During this activity, you will see your child’s ankles wobble and toes curl/uncurl to maintain balance. This is all building up strength in the foot to contribute to arch formation.

4. Walking Across Uneven Terrain

It is typical for newer walkers or unsteady walkers to have flat feet, as they have not utilized the muscles within the feet to develop an arch. A good way to kickstart arch development is by walking over uneven surfaces.

This could mean having your new walker practice on sand, grass, mulch, or other varied surfaces outside. You could also create challenging surfaces inside, at home. Hide some beanie babies underneath a yoga mat or toss a line of pillows and cushions on the floor to practice walking over!

About The Author


Karleigh enjoys play-based pediatric therapy as it gives her the opportunity to create both a positive and exciting experience for children. Karleigh works at NAPA Denver and likes to ‘jump’ from patient to patient.

Thank You


We want to wrap up by extending our gratitude to thank you for stopping by today!

Do you have anything to add or share for child flat feet exercises?  We are curious!  Let us know in the comments below. ♥

Was this information helpful?  If so, you’d make our day by sharing it! 🙂

Child-Flat-Feet-Exercises


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The contents of the Intensive Therapy for Kids Site, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the Intensive Therapy for Kids Site (“Content”) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Posted In: For Therapists, Gross Motor, Physical Therapy · Tagged: flat feet, gross motor, physical therapy

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