Foot problems often start early in life. Children can develop problems with their feet from wearing ill-fitting shoes or from participating in sports activities.
Some children have inherited conditions that make them more susceptible to foot conditions, like flat feet. Find out why it’s important to care for your child’s feet starting today, and how you can ensure their ongoing foot health well into adulthood by seeing a podiatrist.
Your Child’s Feet
In the years leading up to their teens, children are still developing and growing andthat includes their feet. For a child who is under 12 years old, the bones in their feet are soft and vulnerable to damage that can last into adulthood. Some of the problems sometimes found in children are:
– Flat feet (also called fallen arches).
– Becoming pigeon-toed (walking with the toes pointing inward).
– Bunions and out-toeing.
– Ingrown toenails (usually due to tight-fitting shoes).
– Clubfoot (foot is twisted, preventing it from lying flat on the floor).
Keeping Their Feet Healthy
There are simple steps that you can take to help keep your child’s feet healthy. Here are a few important tips:
– Always buy well-fitting shoes that are made of quality materials and provide arch support. – Choose a lightweight shoe that has enough room at the toe.
– Feed your child a healthy, calcium-rich diet to aid bone development.
– Teach your child how to tie their shoelaces securely as early as possible in life.
– Take your child to see a podiatrist at the first sign of a problem, whether it’s pain or walking abnormally.
Importance of Seeing a Podiatrist
It’s recommended that you take your child for an appointment with a foot doctor soon after their first steps if the walking pattern seems strange or the feet and toes aren’t developing normally. Treatments are available that can correct the child’s walk and train the feet or toes into a proper position.
Call for an Appointment
Make it a priority to have your child’s feet checked if you have concerns. We see and treat many children in the practice.
Dr. Marc Fink
P.S.Children with strong, healthy feet avoid many kinds of lower extremity problems later in life. That’s why it is important to inspect your children’s feet periodically.
