Health Tip: If Your Child's Arches Disappear

Here's what might affect the youngster's feet

July 28, 2009 RSS Feed Print

(HealthDay News) -- Do your child's arches tend to shrink or disappear entirely when he or she stands? The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says the youngster may have a condition called flexible flatfoot.

The academy says parents don't have to worry that the condition will cause a deformity of the child's feet. Many children actually outgrow flexible flatfoot, the organization says.

Most children don't need treatment for flexible flatfoot unless they have related pain. Certain exercises usually help remedy strain and fatigue in the feet, ankles or legs, and shoe inserts can also provide some relief, the academy says.