Children & Podiatry
Foot problems in adult life can often be prevented through early intervention in childhood. By the age of 12, a young person's foot has nearly reached its adult size which is why early childhood is an important time for correction of any developmental and structural abnormalities.
Guidelines to avoid children's foot disorders
1. Don't restrict a baby's development with tight sleepclothes, booties, socks or blankets.
Allow them to kick and exercise legs and feet.
2. Discourage poor sleeping and sitting positions (ie. sleeping on stomach or kneeling with feet turned out).
Sitting with legs crossed is preferred.
3. Walkers place stress on bones and muscles prematurely.
Babies will begin walking through natural development, which usually occurs, between 9 and 18 months.
4. When your child begins walking, look for signs that may indicate abnormalities in their structure and development.
Such signs as:
- Awkward walking style
- Feet turned out excessively
- Painful, tired legs at the end of the day (also known as: 'Growing Pains')
- Abnormal wear patterns on shoes
- Skin lesions (ie. corns, blisters, calluses)
Many of these problems can be treated with exercise; shoe modifications or custom made insoles in the shoe.
Nails should be cut straight across and down the sides.
Footwear
Barefoot is acceptable in non-problematic feet and is advisable during early development.
However once prolonged weight bearing and walking begins footwear is required.
Qualities to look for in a shoe include:
- Adequate length and width of a shoe (especially across the ball of the foot and toes).
- A stiff sole, except at the ball of the foot where the shoes should provide adequate flexibility for the foot to bend.
- A good lace up or strap to hold the foot firmly in the shoe.
- Leather uppers help prevent excess moisture build up.
- A softer shoe may be advised in pigeon toed child as this lessens the severity of the conditions.
- Elastic sided boots are not normally advised as the elastic stretches after a short period and the boot loses most of its support and stability.
