Baby Steps: Understanding Children’s Feet!
Did You Know? Many Adult Foot Ailments are Present at Birth or Originate in Childhood.
The Canadian Podiatric Medical Association says, “Because the feet of young children are soft and pliable, abnormal pressure can easily cause deformities. This is why podiatrists [and chiropodists] consider the first few years to be the most important in the development of the feet. By visiting a podiatrist [or chiropodist] periodically and regularly performing foot care you can minimize problems later in life.”
How to Help Little Feet Grow Normally.
“Shoes are not necessary indoors when your child first begins to walk. Allow your child to go barefoot or wear just socks when indoors. This helps the foot grow normally and develop its musculature and strength, as well as the grasping action of toes. When walking outside or on rough surfaces, your child’s feet should be protected in lightweight, flexible footwear made of natural materials.”
Never Hand-Down Footwear.
“As your child’s feet continue to develop, it may be necessary to change shoe and sock sizes every few months to allow room for the feet to grow. Although foot problems result mainly from injury, deformity, illness or hereditary factors, improper footwear can aggravate pre-existing conditions. Footwear should never be handed down from one child to another”.
Are your children getting ready to go to school for the first time or back to school? Talk to your Chiropodist today about footwear for school and sports.
