Children's Feet

Children's feet differ from those of adults, as they are soft and pliable making them prone to damage from abnormal pressure, such as shoes that are too small.

Foot care can begin in infancy by keeping your baby's feet free from constriction. Grow suits should always be loose around your baby's feet. Making time for your baby to kick freely will help with the development of the muscles in the legs and feet.

Walking

Children usually begin to walk any time between ten and 24 months of age, although it is important to remember that each child is unique and will move through the developmental stages at their own pace.

Sometimes children walk with their feet pointed inward (in-toeing) or outward (out-toeing), other children walk on their toes (toe-walking). These variations in walking have historically been considered normal, but if you don't see improvements week to week, or you have specific concerns, you should take your child to a podiatrist. Many adult deformities start in childhood, and be far more easily address when diagnosed and treated early.

Flat Feet

Flat feet (or pes planus) is relatively common. What needs to be determined is the foot structurally flat (can be a normal anatomical variant), or does the foot conform to a flattened position when standing. Feet that over-pronate to a flat and deformed position require treatment if there one of more of the following:
• Strong family history of flat feet and symptoms
• Foot, ankle or leg pain (often referred to as growing pains)
• Significantly observable deformity
• If delayed gross motor skills are related

Keep in mind, children rarely 'grow out of' pronated feet. Often, quite the opposite can happen with a painful flat foot deformity progressing into adulthood.

Growing Feet and Shoes

A child's feet will double in size by the age of one and between the ages of five and 12 growth is approximately 9mm per year, with adult foot size approximated by twelve to fourteen years of age.

Frequent changes in the size of shoes and socks are necessary to make room for rapidly growing feet during childhood. Do a size check at least every one-three months up to the age of three, every four months up to five years and every six months from five years. It is important that shoes are lightweight and flexible but support the heel and arch, and fitted by a specialist in children's footwear to avoid injury and discomfort.

Heel Pain (see severs disease)

Heel pain can also occur in growing children, usually between the ages of eight and 13, as they increase their participation in sporting activities. Heel pain that limits activity or is present all the time should be checked by a podiatrist. The podiatrist will be able to determine whether or not the heel pain is related to the developmental process and give advice about ways to alleviate symptoms.

Skin, Nails and Warts

Some conditions require treatment from a podiatrist, while others may be helped by changes in hygiene or shoes. If you're unsure, its best to have if checked earlier than later.

Click for more information on Warts

Click for more information on Ingrown Toenails

Professional Advice

A check-up with a podiatrist is recommended if:
• You notice uneven shoe wear.
• You notice any skin rashes, hard skin lumps or bumps on your child's feet.
• Your child complains of recurrent pain in the feet and/ or legs.
• Your child is constantly tripping or falling.
• Or you have any other concerns about your child's feet.