Tips for Keeping Children’s Feet Healthy

For parents, there is no shortage of things to worry about when it comes to their kids’ health. From infectious childhood diseases to scrapes, cuts, and broken bones to genetic conditions, the list of potential problems is endless.

That is one reason it can be easy to overlook some of the less dramatic, but equally important, aspects of a child’s physical well-being. This includes the health of their feet.

Since kids are always moving and constantly growing, it isn’t unusual for them to develop foot problems, especially if they are wearing shoes that don’t fit correctly or fail to provide the necessary support and cushioning.

Children can experience unique foot issues, such as Sever’s disease, flat feet, in-toeing (pigeon foot), and other deformities that may require examination, diagnosis, treatment by an experienced podiatrist.

To keep your little ones from developing big problems with their feet, keep the following tips in mind:

  1. Don’t wait for complaints. Just because your child isn’t complaining about foot pain or discomfort doesn’t mean that all is well. The bones in a child’s growing feet are more flexible and pliable than they are later in life, which means that they may not experience pain even if there is a problem. Watch how your child walks and look at their feet regularly to see if you notice anything unusual or of concern. Look for signs like limping, tripping, decreased participation in sports and other physical activities, or unevenly worn soles on their shoes.
  2. Check their shoes regularly. Kids’ feet can outgrow their shoes in a matter of months, even weeks. Shoes that are too small and tight can cause blisters, corns, calluses, or ingrown toenails that can ultimately become infected. Take your child with you when you buy new shoes and measure their feet every time you do so.
  3. Keep their feet clean and dry. Kids are just as vulnerable to fungal infections and other contagious bacteria and viruses as adults, if not more so. Make sure you thoroughly clean their feet regularly and dry them completely to minimize the chances of developing such common problems as athlete’s foot.
  4. Shoes on when their outside. A child running barefoot through a lush meadow on a sunny day paints a pretty picture. A child stepping on glass, nails, jagged rocks, and other sharp objects does not. Have your kids put on shoes when they go outside to avoid cuts and other injuries that could keep them off their feet or lead to infections. 

Foot and Ankle Specialists for Patients of All Ages!

For children and adults alike, foot and ankle problems can be painful and frustrating.

At Jaws Podiatry, we understand that you want to resolve any such issues as quickly and as easily as possible.

We are here to get you back on your feet and back to your life. Please contact us today at (954) 922-7333 to schedule a consultation.

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