The majority of children are born with flat feet, and the foot does not fully develop until the teenage years. Recent research has shown there are benefits of encouraging your child to walk without shoes as often as possible. These include the ability to exercise the muscles in the feet by pointing and flexing the toes. The average age a child begins to walk is 12 months, and it’s important to measure the feet properly for the correct fit. Essential traits to look for when buying children’s shoes include noticing if the shoes have rubber soles, Velcro, or laces. The rubber soles may prevent skidding, and the Velcro or laces will properly support the foot. Children’s feet grow rapidly, and it’s suggested to obtain a proper measurement every so often as your child grows. Common foot ailments that affect children may include blisters, which typically results from poorly fitting shoes. If you notice symptoms of itchy feet, your child may have athlete’s foot. Please consult with a podiatrist to learn more about proper foot care for children.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Fair Lawn, Riverdale, and Englewood, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.