Your Child's Growing Foot

Your Child's Foot Care Is Important

Having strong, healthy feet allows your child to walk, run, and play. If your child's feet form correctly, certain types of back and leg pain can be avoided later in life. Exams of the feet and ankles ensure that your child's bones are growing correctly.

Your doctor can also make sure that your child is walking right. This helps prevent some future foot problems. And if a problem does arise, it can be handled early when it is easiest to treat.

Your Baby's Feet

Both the size and shape of your child's feet change quickly during the first year of life. Because a baby's feet are flexible, too much pressure or strain can affect the shape of the foot.

To help ensure normal growth, allow your baby to kick and stretch his or her feet. Also, make sure shoes and socks don't squeeze toes. What you do at this stage is absolutely crucial to the events that can happen later in life. It's always a good practice to "start on the right foot".

Your Toddler's Feet

Your toddler will walk when he or she is ready. Try not to force the issue. Instead, watch your child's gait once he or she does begin to walk. Does the toe touch down instead of the heel? Does your child always sit while others play actively?

If so, talk with the doctor. If your toddler's feet are fat, flat, and floppy - don't worry. This is usually normal. It's a matter of keeping an eye on any changes.

Your Child's Active Feet

The foot's bone structure is pretty well formed by the time your child reaches age 7 or 8. But if a growth plate (the area where bone growth begins) is injured, the damaged plate may cause the bone to grow oddly. With a doctor's care, however, the risk of future bone problems is reduced.

When To Call The Doctor

If an injury is mild, your child probably will not remember it for very long. They'll complain or cry until something else distracts them. But if your child keeps complaining of pain, have the problem checked by a doctor.

Many physical signs are available to you as well such as serious swelling, localized tenderness, wounds, limping, or ongoing night pains. If a child complains, it's a good idea to make an initial check yourself.

If treating an injury such as a damanged bone or growth plate would involve your child using crutches to take weight off the injury as it heals.

In the case of fracture, a cast, splint, or brace may be needed to hold the bone in place during healing. That can be an interesting process in itself as children are bundles of energy and might not think about being more careful while they're healing. A watchful eye is necessary.