Foot Care as Children Grow

At Pasco-Hernando Foot & Ankle, we know that excellent foot health begins in infancy. Excellence in pediatric podiatric care will significantly reduce foot and ankle problems in adulthood. Start now and help your child develop good habits and healthy feet at every stage as they grow.

Birth to Toddler

A baby’s feet undergo rapid changes in shape and size before they even reach their first birthday. Since an infant’s feet are still developing and forming, they should be unrestricted and able to stretch and kick at will. Avoid and tight socks or baby shoes that will confine the foot. As a baby approaches the toddler stage and starts to pull themselves up to standing position, allow him or her to proceed at their own pace. Never force a toddler to take steps before they are ready. Don’t be alarmed by odd gaits or foot appearance at this stage. In-toeing, walking on the toes, and flat-looking feet are all common at this stage and usually resolve on their own.

Child

Once your child is an established walking, one of the most important ways to ensure good foot health is with shoes that fit correctly and are well-designed to support and protect young feet. Children’s feet grow quickly, so be sure to check frequently that their shoes still fit. Once your child begins to participate in sports, buy footwear specifically designed for the activity they are doing and do not use hand-me-down sports shoes because the shoe conforms to the wearer. Childhood is also the time to begin to instill good foot health habits in your child, including:

• Washing feet every day

• Keeping nails trimmed (and discourage your child from picking their toenails as this can increase the risk for ingrown toenails)

• Wearing shoes in public places and not exchanging shoes or socks with other children or using the same towel or other items that touches someone else’s feet. It will dramatically cut down on cases of athlete’s foot and other fungal infections.

Teens

The feet of older children continue to develop into the mid-teen years. One condition, Sever’s disease—is characterized by pain from a not yet fully formed growth plate in the heel. Don’t allow your child to continue to practice and participate in games if they are complaining of foot or ankle pain. Get all injuries evaluated promptly and complete all treatments. Be sure your child has some days and seasons of rests if they are involved in vigorous team sports.

At any stage along the way, we encourage parents to contact our Spring Hill (352 683-5799) or Hudson (727-868-2128) office so that our podiatrist, Dr. Lawrence J. Kales, can examine your child, allay any fears or prescribe the correct treatment as needed.