Children with short heels or a stiff foot need an x-ray and referral to a specialist. In ordinary flatfoot if the child has calf or leg pain an orthopaedic shoe may relieve the pain. An arch support should be used only when passive correction of the arch is easily achieved. This is often present at birth and usually returns to normal by itself. Pressure from the uterine wall holds the foot in this position until birth.
Treatment is by passive daily exercises done by the parents pushing the foot down.
Occasionally a cast is necessary and complete correction is almost always achieved. The cause may be hereditary or due to neurological conditions such as polio. This is often associated with a shortening of the tendon that pulls the toe up. Treatment consists of stretching exercises and possibly fitted shoes. Occasionally operation may be needed to tendons and connective tissue while fusion of the bones may be needed later.