Kid's feet aren't the same as the ones adults have. Toddlers' and babies' feet are both soft and pliable, since the bones have yet to completely form. That means their feet are more susceptible to damage, as compared to the feet of older kids. One example is shoes which might be too tight. The following are a number of tips you can use for caring for the feet of your kids.
Socks And Shoes
Toddlers don't really need shoes indoors as they first start walking. Letting them go around barefoot, or just wearing socks alone, means their feet can grow normally, which encourages their toes to start developing a grasping ability.
Feet grow fast throughout childhood. You'll need to make sure that your kid's shoes are still fitting properly on a regular basis. You need to do this every 1 to 3 months for kids under the age of 3. Do it every 4 months for kids aged 3, 4, or 5. Also, do it every 6 months for kids 6 and up. Orthotic insoles can help to support children’s growing feet.
Be sure that kids wear a fresh pair of cotton socks every day. Also, see to it that they let their shoes air overnight. These can help reduce potential skin problems.
When picking out shoes for kids, leave around 1/3 up to 1/2 inch of ‘growing room' between the end of that shoe and the longest toe. The show also needs to fit the natural shape of the foot, particularly around the toes.
Always get both of your kid's feet measured for their width and length. Take note of the fact that a kid's left and right feet aren't likely to be identical in size.
Avoid handing down shoes from any kid to another one.
If there is uneven wear and tear around or on the heel of any shoe, it might indicate there's a foot problem that a podiatrist or doctor needs to look at.
Walking Issues
Flat feet happen a lot in kids, but it's not always a problem. Arch development usually doesn't stabilize until the ages of 6 or even 7. Having said that, you should take your kid to a podiatrist or doctor if they have flat feet that are causing them pain or impacting their walking and other activities.
Many toddlers who walk with feet pointed outwards (known as out-toeing) or inwards (known as pigeon toes or in-toeing), as well as those who look like they have bow legs, wind up walking normally be the age of 2. If you're worried, or if these walking patterns are still present after the age of 2, consult your podiatrist or doctor.
Children who walk on their toes might just be going through a phase. However, some experts say this isn't normal and suggest podiatrist review.
Knock knees are actually quite normal in kids of ages 2 through 7. Orthoses or orthotics might be advisable if this condition proves to be painful or causes a foot to roll.
Warning signs that might indicate your kid has a problem worth looking into include withdrawal from sports and recreation, lagging behind other kids during play and sports, or frequent instances of tripping and/or falling.
