WHY YOUR CHILD’S FOOT CARE IS IMPORTANT?
Having strong, healthy feet allows your child to walk, run, and play. If your child’s feet form correctly, certain types of back and leg pain can be avoided later in life. Exams of the feet and ankles ensure that your child’s bones are growing correctly. Your doctor can also make sure that your child is walking right. This helps prevent some future foot problems. And if a problem does arise, it can be treated early—when it is easiest to treat.
See your child’s doctor for ingrown toenails and skin problems as well as questions about foot form and function.
Both the size and shape of your child’s feet change quickly during the first year of life. Because a baby’s feet are flexible, too much pressure or strain can affect the shape of the foot. To help ensure normal growth, allow your baby to kick and stretch his or her feet. Also, make sure shoes and socks don’t squeeze toes.
Talk with the doctor if you are concerned about your baby’s feet. Many infants have feet that appear to turn in. This may worry you, but it is rarely a problem. The shape of the foot changes as your child grows. Your child’s doctor may suggest a gentle stretching exercise to aid proper development.
Your toddler will walk when he or she is ready, try not to force the issue. Instead, watch your child’s gait once he or she does begin to walk. Does the toe touch down instead of the heel? Does your child always sit while others play actively? If so, talk with the doctor. If your toddler’s feet are fat, flat, and floppy, don’t worry, this is usually normal. Also, many toddlers toe-in, but most outgrow the problem
During a foot exam, the doctor will watch your toddler walk. If a gait problem exists, the doctor works to identify its cause.
To help with severe flat feet, special shoes or orthoses (custom-made shoe inserts) may be prescribed.
To correct mild toeing-in, your toddler may need to sit in a different position while playing or watching TV.
If your child’s feet turn in or out a lot, corrective shoes, splints, or night braces may be prescribed. Wearing these devices can help the foot as it grows.
Remember that foot pain is not normal. Healthy, pain-free feet are a key to your child's independence. At the first sign of pain, or any noticeable changes in your child's feet, seek professional podiatric medical care. Your feet must last a lifetime, and most Americans log an amazing 75,000 miles on their feet by the time they reach age 50. Regular foot care can make sure your feet are up to the task. With proper detection, intervention, and care, most foot and ankle problems can be lessened or prevented. Remember that the advice provided in this page should not be used as a substitute for a consultation or evaluation by a podiatric physician.
Disclaimer: Portions of this web page were copied from the American Podiatric Medical Association's (apma.org) web site. NEOFASA, Inc. makes no claims as to being the orginial author of some portions of this web page. Please feel free to visit the apma.org web site for further infomation on this subject.
