Children’s Feet

Many adult foot ailments have their origins in their childhood years and are often present at birth. If left untreated, these foot problems can lead to mechanical abnormalities in the foot, ankle, knee, and hip. Children with foot abnormalities tend to have poor posture and often avoid athletics due to pain and discomfort. A complete pediatric foot and ankle evaluation by us will help identify these foot abnormalities and create a treatment plan.

Your Baby's Feet

The human foot contains bones, ligaments, muscles, blood vessels, and nerves. Children’s feet are very soft and pliable. As a result, abnormal pressure can cause deformities in the foot and ankle area.

A child's feet grow rapidly during the first year, reaching almost half their adult foot size. This is why foot specialists consider the first year to be the most important in the development of the feet.

Here are some suggestions to help you assure that this development proceeds normally:

• Examine your baby’s feet carefully. If you notice something that does not look normal to you, seek professional care immediately. Deformities will not be outgrown by themselves.
• Do not cover a baby’s feet too tight. This can restrict the movement and retard the normal development of the child’s feet.
• Allow opportunities for your baby to exercise their feet. They should be allowed to lay uncovered daily enabling them to kick move their feet. This allows the child’s feet to be properly prepared for weight bearing.
• Do not allow your baby to stay in one position for too long. Change their positions regularly several times a day. Placing a baby on their stomach for too long can put strain on their feet and legs.

Starting to Walk

Children should not be forced to walk. Most children begin to walk between 10 and 18 months. Your child will start to walk when they are physically and emotionally ready to take that step. You should never compare your child’s walking milestones to other children.

When your child first begins to walk, allow them to walk without shoes indoors. They should be allowed to walk around the house with nothing but a pair of socks. This allows for the foot to grow normally and for the child to develop proper muscle strength. However, when outdoors, your child’s foot should be protected with lightweight and flexible shoes.

As your child grows, it is important to change their shoes and socks every few months as their feet grow. Improper footwear can aggravate preexisting foot problems. Shoes should never be handed down from one child to the next.

Consult with your Podiatrist prior to start of school and prior to any involvement in any sporting activities. This will assure that your child remain safe and help prevent any foot or ankle injuries.