There are many things parents need to be concerned about when raising children. Your children’s feet may be the most important thing in your head.
What to Look For in Your Child’s Feet?
Here’s a list of “abnormalities”, which are common in children. It is possible that pedorthic intervention might be required for:
INTOEING
When a child walks with his or her toes in front of each other. The child will not feel any pain from this position. This can be caused either by femoral antiversion or internal tibial rotation, which is when the entire leg moves inwards. It is common for intoeing to resolve itself without intervention before the age of eight.
- Treatment – If this doesn’t resolve, then a consultation is recommended with a podiatrist. Custom orthotics may also be necessary.
METATARSUS ADDUCTUS
This is a common birth defect that causes the feet of the child to curve inwards.
- Treatment – If the problem persists for more than a few months, it may be necessary to cast the feet.
TOE WALKING
Tip-toe walking is a way for children to walk that doesn’t have a visible heel strike. This is more common in boys than in girls. The muscles at the back of the legs are usually tighter and shorter. Most children walk with a heel strike by the age of eighteen months.
- This issue can be treated with physiotherapy. Toe walking can be corrected by therapeutic activities like stretching, strengthening, and sensory input.
FLAT FEET
Children’s feet become very flat when they reach 3-5 years of age. Excess fat and ligament laxity are the main causes of this flattening. As they age, the shape of the feet’ arches will likely become more defined.
- If the condition persists, a consultation with an orthotist is recommended. They can advise you on the best type of footwear to wear and if orthotics are necessary.
Children are more likely to have foot and ankle problems because of their physical activity. However, it is easy to overlook the symptoms and signs of underlying foot or ankle conditions in children. Kids are resilient.
You can help your child’s feet by looking out for signs of foot and ankle problems. Consult a foot specialist if your child experiences foot pain or changes in activity or the desire to go outside.
What should parents do?
A professional can examine your child’s feet if there are any concerns. We provide a complete pedorthic evaluation, where we examine your child’s gait, muscle development, and offer tips on choosing the right footwear.