Foot Care for Kids: A Step Ahead

*Collaborative Post

Parents always want the best for their children. They start life needing constant support, and in the blink of an eye, are racing their way to increasing independence before becoming self-sufficient adults. With so many responsibilities and concerns to navigate in the early years of parenthood, it can be easy to overlook simple and basic concerns like foot care. 

Ensuring kids are happy, healthy, and pain-free is the utmost goal for all parents as they navigate their developmental stages. From kids’ sandals by Melissa for the hot summer sunshine to sports sneakers perfect for exploring the great outdoors, supporting proactive pediatric footcare will help to mitigate more serious issues in the future.  

The Benefits of Early Intervention

Pediatric foot care is critical because early treatment offers the best chance for a more successful outcome. Children’s bones are more flexible and easier to correct as needed, and early intervention can help to prevent chronic foot and leg pain, support healthy posture and balance, improve mobility and coordination, avoid costly and invasive treatments down the line, and boost athletic ability and physical confidence. 

If foot conditions are left untreated, you increase the risk of encountering developmental delays or difficulties at school and in your home life due to physical discomfort. Consulting with a pediatric podiatrist ensures your child grows up confident and pain-free. 

Key Stages of Foot Development

In the first two years of life, babies’ feet are very soft and flexible, with a pad of protective fat in the arch area. Flat feet are common in very young children due to underdeveloped muscles. Encourage babies to kick their legs and move freely to strengthen their growing muscles. 

When they reach their toddler years and start walking, their feet will be flat and broad. As their activity levels increase, their strength, coordination, and balance will improve. Playing barefoot on safe surfaces will further support these key factors. 

When children reach the age of four, their feet will start to become more defined. The arch will begin to develop and become more visible. It is crucial to wear supportive footwear at this time as kids begin to become more involved with school and physical activities. 

During the pre-teen years, from 9 to 12 years old, the structure of the foot continues to grow and strengthen. General growth spurts are very common and may lead to temporary discomfort. Footwear should be checked regularly to ensure it is the right fit. 

Common Foot Issues

Children can encounter multiple common foot issues throughout their developmental stages. Some of these issues can self-correct and require no action, while others will need medical intervention to overcome. Flat feet are widespread in young children as the natural foot arch doesn’t fully develop until 6-8 years old. Solid footwear with supportive arches can help as they grow, but if the problem persists, it is worthwhile consulting a podiatrist. 

Some children experience their feet turning inward or outward. Similar to flat feet, this often self-corrects with age. However, should the issue worsen or cause pain, a specialist will need to be consulted. There are many different causes for heel pain, which can range from ill-fitting shoes or injury while playing to more serious conditions like Sever’s Disease, which causes an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel. This is commonly seen in active children, particularly during growth spurts. Adequate rest, stretching, and proper footwear can dramatically improve symptoms.

Choosing Proper Footwear

When shopping for children’s footwear, it is crucial to choose the right pair with the appropriate features and fit. Opt for shoes with flexible soles that support natural movement in the foot. The shoe needs to fit correctly and snugly with some room for growth, roughly a thumb’s width at the toe. Hand-me-down shoes have often been molded to another child’s feet and should be avoided as much as possible. 

While older kids may want to have the latest fashion trends to fit in with their peers, it’s vital to prioritize comfort over style. High heels and narrow toe boxes should be avoided for kids. Instead, opt for a shoe with a wide toe box and proper arch support that provides a solid base for the foot and doesn’t restrict or rub against the foot and toes. 

Tips For Healthy Feet

There are many different ways you can promote and support healthy foot development of your children throughout the various stages of their development. Encourage your kids to walk barefoot, especially on safe and soft surfaces like grass, sand, or indoors, as it helps to develop strength, muscles, balance, and coordination from a young age. 

Proper footwear is essential for healthy foot development. Shoes should fit well, with a small amount of extra room for toes to move freely and the foot to have space for movement during physical activity. Because feet grow quickly during childhood, the fit should be checked every 2 months. 

If your child complains of foot pain, don’t brush off their concerns. Frequent limping, tripping, or refusing to participate in any physical activity can be an indication of something more serious going on. 

Gentle stretches for the arches, calves, and toes can improve overall foot strength and flexibility. Regular physical activity like running, climbing, jumping, and playing outside on slightly uneven terrain naturally supports foot development. 

Finally, toenails should be cut straight across, not too short, and without rounding edges to prevent ingrown nails. Use a nail file to remove sharp points. Additionally, you should ensure your children’s feet are washed daily and thoroughly dried, especially between the toes. Socks should be made from fabric that is breathable and moisture-wicking to prevent unwanted fungal infections.  

*This is a collaborative post. For further information please refer to my disclosure page.