21 mo with flat feet - do I need to take him to GP/HV?

[kwaker5]

DS has been walking since about 14 months. I never had any concerns until I noticed a couple of weeks ago that his feet seem really flat and his ankles seem to bend inwards (if that makes sense).

When I checked out a few other toddlers, I didn't see the same thing. Should I take him to be checked out or is this common and something that they grow out of?

I think it is quite common. I think that most toddlers have flat feet, which is part of the reason why they look so clumsy when they walk. I used to work at Clarks and there were quite a lot of older boys with flat feet. However, I'm no expert on feet, but hopefully someone will come along who knows more. I think I would perhaps take him along to GP to see if it is a problem.

i would not be concerned at the moment as their feet look like that as still chubby so can be deceiving but ask if concerned.

Also, the bones of the feet are hardly developed in toddlers so it is likely to be normal

It might be worth having a chat with your GP if he continues to tip inwards at the ankles. DD1 did this, and it turned out that she was Hypermobile, and needed arch supports for 18mths.

Thanks, might just drop in at the next clinic and show the HVs there. Would hate for him to get to 5 and have someone say 'if you'd done something about it sooner....'!

I've read in a number of places that the best thing for foot development is to let them go barefoot as much as possible.

Has the economical fringe benefit of not buying (and loosing) masses of socks and shoes

Always worth getting it checked if you're worried, though.

I would pay to have him checked by a specialist, just in case. My DS had the same, and one foot seemed to turn out. Paediatrician said nothing was wrong and checked hips, x ray, ultrasound etc, and by 22 months it seemed to have righted itself..