If you’re looking at your child’s feet and wondering “is it okay that my child’s feet are so flat?” – you’re definitely not alone! The answer is that it depends on their age and any other symptoms they’re experiencing. Let us explain.
Very young children appear to have less of a visible arch due to the fatty pad beneath their feet. As they grow, especially beyond the age of four, their arch should appear more obvious.
When children first begin to walk, it is generally recommended that they are kept barefoot inside the home for the first 6-8 weeks. This assists the development of their sensory system, which aids in balance and movement coordination, by letting them feel what is happening beneath their feet. When outside, shoes should be worn for protection.
When children reach the age where they’re able to walk, run and play confidently and for long periods, this is when having the right shoe characteristics becomes important. At this stage, shoes can help kids adventure through the day – or be a source of pain if they’re ill-fitting or contribute to tripping and falling.
Here’s what you should look for when buying new shoes for your child:
Having the right fit can reduce the risk of many problems developing, both short and long-term. If the shoes are:
Having shoes with an adjustable fastening mechanism like laces, velcro or a buckle is a better option that a slip-on, even if it’s a jogger. A good fastening mechanism:
The heel counter is the rear part of the shoe that wraps around the back of the heel. It aids in supporting the feet. Make sure that:
The shoe shank is the firm reinforcement that is added to the middle of the sole of the shoe. It helps support the foot and helps prolong the life of the shoe.
Your child’s shoe should naturally bend just before the toes, as this is where the bones in our feet bend as we push off to take the next step. The shank does not extend to this region. Shoes should not, however, be able to bend easily through the middle of the shoe, just as our feet naturally do not bend there.
The heavier the shoe, the harder the feet, legs and muscles must work to support daily living – and the faster the muscles will tire. Opt for shoes that are lightweight, especially when muscle strength is still developing in younger kids.
There is no one shoe brand that will address all of these characteristics nor is there one shoe brand that fits all children – every child’s feet are different! So it’s important to assess each individual shoe on these merits. Don’t be misled by the price either – expensive shoes aren’t necessarily any healthier for your child’s feet.
Remember to regularly check the size of your child’s socks for appropriate fit. Children’s socks tend to be forgotten about however wearing socks which are too small can apply excess pressure to the toes and may cause them to claw.
As our feet can slightly increase in size throughout the day, take kids shoe shopping with you towards the end, as opposed to the start of the day. Always look at the fit of both feet in the shoes, as most people have one foot that is slightly longer than the other.
Have your child’s shoes professionally fitted by a podiatrist. Many My FootDr clinics offer a range of footwear that support your family’s feet. Our experienced podiatrists professionally fit each pair to ensure the best fit, and suitability for any problems you may have
Check here to find your closest My FootDr clinic that offers footwear.
One of the most important first milestones in your child’s life (and yours!) is their first steps. All children develop at their own pace and will all commence walking at different ages. Most children will take their first steps between nine and twelve months but there is a large variation in milestones and for some children, walking may take a little longer. If at 17 months your child is not yet walking, it is recommended you visit a health professional for an assessment.
When your child begins to walk, they will generally hold their arms high and their feet out wide for balance. As their balance improves, their feet should gradually get closer and their arms should drop to their sides. Sometimes, children may develop abnormal walking patterns such as in-toeing (pigeon-toed), out-toeing and in some cases, tip-toe walking.
If you’ve ever heard your child say their legs are achy, and wondered if they’re just tired or if it could be something more, this is for you. As parents, we understand the battle between hoping that it’s fine and the pain will resolve, and deciding whether to bring them in for a check-up. To help, we’ve asked our team to put together the common causes they see for achy legs in children’s podiatry appointments, so you better can understand what could be going on.
Taylah is the newest addition to the My FootDr team in Devonport. Raised in Melbourne, Taylah had her first experience with podiatry when seeking out treatment for painful shin splints as an active teen. Read more
Graduated with a Bachelor of Podiatry from Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in 2019, Paul has been working in Bundaberg before returning to Brisbane in July 2021.
Paul is passionate in all aspects of podiatry including biomechanics, musculoskeletal injuries of the lower limb, diabetic foot care and minor nail surgical procedures. He enjoys helping people with lower limb issues and has a drive to help improve their quality of life. Outside of work, Paul enjoys watching and playing sports including basketball, baseball and soccer.
If you’ve noticed your young child walking on their toes, you may be wondering whether it’s normal – or if something is wrong. Today, the My FootDr team is explaining toe-walking, why kids do it, what it means, and if it’s a problem!
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the vast selection of joggers available at a shoe store – you’re not alone. While many people know that not every shoe is right for them, lots have trouble understanding which ones are right for them – and why.
Today, the My FootDr team guide you through what you need to know to help you choose the best running shoe that your feet will love!
Have you ever gone into a shoe shop to have the shop assistant start throwing around terms that make you feel like they’re speaking a foreign language? Trust us, you’re not alone! Finding a good pair of running shoes that match your feet is hard enough without being lost in translation. While it all sounds good instore, many people leave the store being unable to explain to their friends why they ended up with the shoes that they have.
Today, we’re breaking down the running shoe jargon, so you know exactly what is being discussed – and what to look for.
How confident are you that you know your child’s true shoe size? *A survey of 2109 parents showed that 65% did not correctly identify their children’s shoe sizes when compared against accurate foot measurements for the kids. Moreover, kids were found to be wearing shoes up to two sizes too small.
With 30% of our patients being children here at My FootDr, we often see the effects of shoes being too small, like claw toes, bunions and more. Today, we’re sharing what this statistic means, why parents get it wrong, and what you can do to measure your child’s shoe size accurately.