Your Child's Foot Care Is Important
Having strong, healthy feet allows your child to walk, run,
and play. If your child's feet form correctly, certain types of
back and leg pain can be avoided later in life. Exams of the feet
and ankles ensure that your child's bones are growing correctly.
Your doctor can also make sure that your child is walking right.
This helps prevent some future foot problems. And if a problem
does arise, it can be handled early when it is easiest to treat. |
Your Baby's Feet
Both the size and shape of your child's feet change quickly
during the first year of life. Because a baby's feet are flexible,
too much pressure or strain can affect the shape of the foot.
To help ensure normal growth, allow your baby to kick and stretch
his or her feet. Also, make sure shoes and socks don't squeeze
toes. What you do at this stage is absolutely crucial to the events
that can happen later in life. It's always a good practice to
"start on the right foot". |
Your Toddler's Feet
Your toddler will walk when he or she is ready. Try not to force
the issue. Instead, watch your child's gait once he or she does
begin to walk. Does the toe touch down instead of the heel? Does
your child always sit while others play actively?
If so, talk with the doctor. If your
toddler's feet are fat, flat, and floppy - don't worry. This is
usually normal. It's a matter of keeping an eye on any changes. |
Your Child's Active Feet
The foot's bone structure is pretty well formed by the time
your child reaches age 7 or 8. But if a growth plate (the area
where bone growth begins) is injured, the damaged plate may cause
the bone to grow oddly. With a doctor's care, however, the risk
of future bone problems is reduced.
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If an injury is mild, your child probably
will not remember it for very long. They'll complain or cry until
something else distracts them. But if your child keeps complaining
of pain, have the problem checked by a doctor.
Many physical signs are available to you as well such as serious
swelling, localized tenderness, wounds, limping, or ongoing night
pains. If a child complains, it's a good idea to make an initial
check yourself. |
If treating an injury such as a
damanged bone or growth plate would involve your child using crutches
to take weight off the injury as it heals.
In the case of fracture, a cast, splint, or brace may be needed
to hold the bone in place during healing. That can be an interesting
process in itself as children are bundles of energy and might
not think about being more careful while they're healing. A watchful
eye is necessary. |
