Childhood bone and oral health development
Children’s feet are delicate as they are still growing and will need ample space and support to develop healthily. Rebecca Parker, (a home visit chiropodist in Kidderminster) explains that check-ups by a podiatrist or chiropodist are essential to promote healthy foot development.
Rebecca is also a home visit chiropodist in London and she carries out podiatry home visits for all ages in the South East
Here are a few of Rebecca’s tips on ensuring your child or children maintain healthy happy feet:
- Regular check-ups with a qualified podiatrist/chiropodist/dentist.
- Arrange regular checks with a reputable shoe shop to ensure that your child’s footwear is well-fitted. Your child’s feet should be measured for length and width.
- Do not be guided by the choice of your child alone; they will often opt for something they like the appearance of, but keep in mind that this may not be best for their feet. Be guided by your children’s foot dimensions when selecting the right type of shoe. This is essential in early years children. Remember that when a child’s foot is young, it will not yet be fully formed and as such incorrect pressure by footwear could cause future foot problems.
- Ensure your child has the right-sized socks.
- Ensure your child’s feet are washed daily with soap and water and dried thoroughly, especially between the toes, as this area is at risk of athlete’s foot, a fungal skin infection that often occurs between the toes and sometimes on the soles of the feet.
- Inspect your child’s feet for any red pressure marks on the back of the heel or on the small bones of the toes; additionally, any inflamed nails may be an indicator of a poorly fitted shoe.
- It is very important to check your child shoe for any unsual wear. Unusual wear may be a first indicator that that there is a problem with your child’s foot or general posture and if so seeking advice from a qualified health professional is essential.
- Normal wear on a shoe is across the back of the heel or outside the heel. Unsual wear is severe wear on the inside or outside of the heel, this wear may also carry forward to the outside of the shoe. If you suspect any unsual wear on your child’s shoe again it is important to consult a qualified health professional.
In all, you will know your child, and if they are finding it uncomfortable to walk or run, this may be an opportunity to have a professional opinion on your child’s feet. Some abnormalities can be picked up at a very early age, and quick action and appropriate footwear can help prevent long term damage to the rest of the body. Many things can be linked to foot problems in later life such as back problems, knee problems, back, hip and posture problems als.
Article by Becca Darker. BSc (Hons) MChS
