Your health: Foot health for children
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Your health: Foot health for children
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Did you know that on average a person will walk approximately 128,000kms in a lifetime – that’s more than three times around the earth! In 2007, Foot Health Week is focusing on children’s feet. This fact sheet was written by the Podiatry Department at HKHS. It is part of our Health Hotline series.
When your child first begins to walk, shoes are not necessary indoors. Allowing babies to go barefoot or to wear just socks helps the foot to grow normally and promotes the grasping action of toes. Some children walk on their toes or with their feet pointed inward or outward. In most cases these variations are normal and most children will have grown out of these walking styles by the age of two. However if the pattern persists or you have concerns you should take your child to see a podiatrist. An estimated 10-20 per cent of children have flat feet. Flat feet in children are not necessarily a problem but if they are causing pain or interfering with activities get them checked out by a podiatrist. Children’s feet grow rapidly in childhood so it is important to change the size of their shoes and socks frequently to avoid any injury or discomfort to their feet. In-grown toenails are often caused by trimming toenails too short or by damage to the nail. Nails should be cut straight across and should be no longer than the tip of each toe. Children, especially teenagers, tend to be more susceptible to warts than adults. Plantar warts that appear on the sole of the foot tend to be hard and flat, with a rough surface and well-defined boundaries. They can grow into clusters and become painful if left unchecked. A check-up with a podiatrist is recommended if:
Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Health Service provides podiatry services specifically for pensioners and patients with foot ulcerations, diabetes or vascular disease. For all other podiatry concerns or for further information call the Australasian Podiatry Council on 9698 3751 or visit www.feet.org.au. Fast Facts |
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© Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Health Service | |||
A child’s first steps mark an exciting milestone however their feet are still
forming, quite fragile and can be damaged easily by shoes and socks that are too small. Foot care can begin in infancy by keeping your baby’s feet free from constriction.
Grow suits should always be loose around your baby’s feet and making time for your baby to kick freely will help with the development of the muscles in the legs and feet.
