Childrens Feet

At Midleton Foot Clinic it has been our experience that proper care and treatment of the feet, beginning in childhood, will prevent many of the mechanical and orthopaedic problems seen in adults. Preventive medicine in Podiatry is just as important to your child as dentistry or general medicine. Many children walk excessively pigeon toed, flat footed, or bowlegged. Although they are not in pain, they are damaging their feet.

TOEING IN

Most babies begin life with their toes pointing slightly out. However, if the unborn baby lies with its feet pressed against the womb the wrong way, it can be born with its feet turned inward. The condition can make learning to walk difficult. Tripping may be the first sign of toeing in.

Exercises

Toeing in can often be corrected through stretching exercises. The podiatrist can teach parents some simple exercises that can help straighten out

a baby's feet. The exercises take a few minutes a day, and they are performed until the problem is corrected.

Casts
In some instances, plaster casts can be used to coax a baby's feet back into normal position. Just as braces gradually reposition teeth, casts gradually reposition feet. The casts are changed periodically until the podiatrist determines that the feet are properly aligned.

FLAT FEET

Many babies naturally appear flatfooted. Usually, this will disappear as the baby begins to stand and walk.

Children with flat feet, or low arches, may not be able to keep up with other children because of the added strain on feet and legs.

Orthotics

Orthotic devices can be used to maintain proper foot support. They are made of plastic and must be refitted as the child grows older. Orthotics help to realign the foot and distribute body weight evenly.

HAVE PROBLEMS CHECKED

If you suspect any foot problems, have a podiatrist examine your child. You may spare your child further problems later in life!

Finding The Correct Shoe for Your Child

The wrong shoes can cause or aggravate incorrect foot ailments. The right shoes can often prevent, but cannot correct problems. So wearing the correct shoe is vital to your foot health and a necessity for your child’s foot health and development. Follow this checklist when you buy shoes for your child and be sure they measure up. This check list is good for you to and is not only for kids!

SHOE CONSTRUCTION

Leather is best because is breathes like skin and moulds the foot. But cheaper canvas is fine for fast-growing children.
Soles should be strong and flexible with a good gripping surface.
Insoles should be cushioned to absorb the jolts of walking on hard surfaces.
Arch supports distribute weight over a wider area but are better added by your podiatrists, the best shoe is a flat shoe. Rigid shanks also give added support.
High heels are fun and look good, but they should not be worn by children. Besides cramping the toes, they change body posture, making backaches more likely.

backaches more likely.

SHOES FOR CHILDREN

Good shoes are especially important to avoid problems in developing feet.

Because shoes serve only to protect children's feet from injury, none are needed before a child walks.
High-topped infant shoes do not support ankles - oxfords and tennis shoes are good.
Check OFTEN to be sure shoes aren't too small. Children's feet are so flexible they can be crammed into shoes two sizes too small - and the child may not complain.
Don't have children wear hand-me-down shoes. They are permanently moulded to the original owner's foot.

Unfortunately, most shoes today are narrower in the front than the foot is. You can check this by standing on paper and tracing around your child's bare foot. Compare the outline of the foot with the sole of your shoe. If the shoe appears too narrow, you may be inviting foot problems. When buying shoes for yourself choose only shoes that feel comfortable - you are the best judge of that. Here are some pointers for your shoes:

THE RIGHT FIT

Only you can tell if shoes fit.

If they aren't comfortable, don't buy them!
Don't plan on shoes stretching with wear. If you already own shoes that are too tight, ask your shoe repair shop if they can be stretched.
Because feet spread with age, have your feet measured every time you buy shoes. Both feet should be measured as they are often different sizes. Always buy shoes for the BIGGEST foot.
Go shoe shopping late in the afternoon. Feet swell to their largest then.
Size depends on shoe make and style, too. Don't insist you always wear one size if the next feels better.
The toe box should be roomy enough so you can wiggle all your toes.
Your forefoot should NOT be wider than your shoe.
The heel should fit snugly and the instep should not gape open.
If you can't find shoes that fit, ask your podiatrist for advice.

Our feet have evolved for flexibility and strength, not to be crammed into shoes. When people roamed the earth barefoot 4,000 years ago, foot problems were not the rule. Today, we need shoes to protect our feet from cold, injury, disease rather than for comfort and function. Remember: good shoes are part of the good care you and your child's feet need.

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