A child's developing feet undergo significant changes during their early years. The medial arch, formed by bones, muscles, and ligaments, gradually takes shape, resulting in a visible arch in the sole. Infants and young children often have flat feet, which is normal due to their flexibility. As kids learn to walk, their ligaments and muscles strengthen, and the arch area becomes less pronounced. By around six years old, most children should have developed normal arches. If a child experiences foot pain or seems to struggle to keep up with peers, a problem may be developing. Two conditions, in-toeing, when the feet turn inwards, and out-toeing, when the feet turn outwards, may require attention. In many cases, in-toeing might resolve on its own, but a persistent or severe case should be assessed, especially if it hinders the child's gait or causes tripping. Out-toeing often resolves as posture and balance improve, but severe cases or those causing pain should be addressed. Parents should also be vigilant about other symptoms like abnormally shaped toes, ingrown toenails, bunions, stiffness, limping, and sudden gait changes. If your child's feet are raising concerns or causing pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our clinicians from The Footcare Centre. Our podiatrists can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Weybridge, UK. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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It is never normal for a child to experience pain in his or her feet. Foot pain that lasts more than a few days and limits a child’s ability to walk should be examined by a podiatrist. Many adult foot ailments originate in childhood and may be present at birth. Common foot issues that are experienced by children are pediatric flat foot, Sever’s disease, ingrown toenails, and plantar warts.

A child’s foot grows rapidly during the first year, allowing it to reach almost half of their adult foot size. Consequently, foot specialists consider the first year to be the most crucial point in the foot development process. There are ways you can help ensure that your child’s foot develops properly. One way is to carefully look at your baby’s feet. If you notice any deformities, you should immediately seek professional care. You should also loosely cover your child’s foot, since tight coverings may prevent movement and inhibit normal development. Another tip is to change the baby’s positioning throughout the day. If your baby lies down in one spot for too long, it may put an excess amount of strain on the feet and legs.

It is best that you try not to force a child to start walking. Children will begin to walk when they are both physically and emotionally capable to do so. You should also avoid comparing your child’s walking progress with other children because the age range for independent walking may range. When your child’s feet begin to develop, you may need to change both their shoe and sock size every few months to allow room for their feet to grow.

Kids are sometimes prone to splinters, cuts, and severe injuries because they tend to walk around barefoot. This also makes them more susceptible to developing plantar warts which is a condition caused by a virus that invades the sole of the foot through breaks in the skin. These ailments can be avoided by making sure your child wears shoes in unsanitary environments. You should also wash any minor cuts or scrapes on your child’s feet. It is a myth that exposure to fresh air will heal injuries; fresh air will only expose your child’s cuts to germs.

As a parent, you should ensure that your child’s feet are developing properly and are being properly maintained. Consequently, it is important that you perform routine inspections on his or her feet to detect any injuries or deformities in their early stages. Early detection and treatment will help to ensure that your child does not develop any serious foot conditions.

Though running with flat feet can be challenging, it is possible to enjoy pain-free runs and improve your athletic performance. Having flat feet can alter the alignment of the lower extremities, which may result in strain on soft tissues and joints. Choosing the right shoes with adequate arch support is crucial. Proper running technique and posture are also essential for flat-footed runners. A podiatrist can advise on the most suitable foot landing, whether forefoot, midfoot, or heel running, and help you to maintain a proper posture during running. Stretching after each run is recommended for flat-footed runners. In addition, it is beneficial to alternate running surfaces, which may help to alleviate strain. Non-impact equipment, such as elliptical trainers or stair machines, are other alternatives. If you are experiencing problems that stem from having flat feet while running, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer custom orthotics that may address the issue and contribute to pain free running.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our clinicians from The Footcare Centre. Our podiatrists will treat all of your podiatric needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Weybridge, UK. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Flatfoot is a condition that occurs when the arches on the foot are flattened, which allows the soles of the feet to touch the floor. Flatfoot is a common condition and it is usually painless.

Throughout childhood, most people begin to develop arches in their feet, however, some do not. Those who do not develop arches are left with flatfoot. The pain associated with flat feet is usually at its worse when engaging in activity. Another symptom that may occur with those who have this condition is swelling along the inside of the ankle.

It is also possible to have flexible flatfoot. Flexible flatfoot occurs when the arch is visible while sitting or standing on the tiptoes, but it disappears when standing. People who have flexible flatfoot are often children and most outgrow it without any problems.

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop flatfoot. Those who have diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis have an increased risk of flatfoot development. Other factors include aging and obesity.

Diagnosis for flat feet is usually done by a series of tests by your podiatrist. Your podiatrist will typically try an x-ray, CT scan, ultrasound, or MRI on the feet. Treatment is usually not necessary for flat foot unless it causes pain. However, therapy is often used for those who experience pain in their flat feet. Some other suggested treatment options are arch supports, stretching exercises, and supportive shoes. 

The Brannock device, a seemingly simple yet ingenious tool, is the key to accurately measuring shoe size. Invented in 1927 by Charles Brannock, it remains the industry standard for footwear fitting across the globe. The Brannock device consists of a metal platform with graduated scales for the length and width of the foot, a sliding pointer, and a movable heel cup. To determine shoe size, the individual places the heel against the heel cup and stretches the foot along the platform. The pointer slides to the tip of the longest toe, while the width scale ensures a comfortable fit. This measurement provides the foot's length and width, aiding in selecting the perfect size shoe and ensuring optimal comfort and support. The Brannock device remains an indispensable part of the shoe fitting process, guaranteeing a seamless experience for finding the ideal pair of shoes for every foot. If you would like additional information on how to select a proper shoe size, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist. 

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our clinicians from The Footcare Centre. Our podiatrists will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Weybridge, UK. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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