Children's footwear plays a pivotal role in supporting the healthy development of their feet and gait as they grow. The flexibility and sole firmness of children's shoes influence their feet and gait development. Compared to being barefoot, wearing shoes increases stride and step length, while decreasing cadence. It also affects parameters like support base, toe-off time, double support time, stance time, and single support time. Moreover, it influences the range of motion in the hip, knee, and ankle joints. As your child enters the stage where picking appropriate shoes is important, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for specific shoe recommendations for your child’s unique foot type to ensure healthy and safe growth and development.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Zina Cappiello, DPM of Dr. Zina B. Cappiello DPM, LLC. Our podiatrist 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 office located in Clifton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
