Treatment For Children’s Feet
A child’s foot is a precious and vital asset which is essential to meeting a child’s milestones. Pain, tripping and delayed milestones are all Problems can be anything from skin issues, nails including ingrowing nails, and developmental problems.
Your child's foot pain can be managed to allow them to lead a more active life! Come and see us at Quest Podiatry, for a happier child (and parents)
Your child's foot pain can be managed to allow them to lead a more active life! Come and see us at Quest Podiatry, for a happier child (and parents)
- Toe Walking
- Flat Feet
- Bow Legs
- Knock Knees
- In-toeing / Out toeing
- Growing Pains
- curly Toes
- Metatarsus Adductus
- Footwear Advice
Toe Walking
Toe walking is fairly typical before the age of three years, however to ensure we are able to rule out anything more serious or concerning a proper assessment of the child and walking should be carried out.
Flat Feet
It is typical for a young child to have flat feet. The arch will not tend to develop until the ages 4-6 years old. It is recommended to have an assessment for paediatric flat foot if your child is complaining of pain, tripping frequently, having problems with shoe fit or not meeting milestones. If flat feet continue past the age of 6 as assessment is also recommended.
Bow Legs
Knock knees or bow legs in a child can be problematic should the legs be causing the child pain, excessive tripping or delaying their motor milestones. A thorough assessment is vital to ensure the child can lead the best pain-free life they can.
In-toeing , Out-Toeing
Also knows as pigeon-toed; in-toeing can be very worrying for parents, as can out-toeing. The altered foot position can originate from up at the hip, the knee or within the foot. It is important for an assessment to allow the child to function happily with their peers, especially if pain or tripping is described.
Children’s Growing Pains
‘Growing pains’ can be a very disturbing for a child. The pain experienced from the growth area of bones is usually to blame and can be in the lower legs, near the knee, within the feet or under the heels. There are multiple factors which may contribute to this pain, all of which can be thoroughly assessed so we can help to alleviate this pain for your child.
Curly Toes
Often genetic, Toes that curl sideways, or around other toes are often flexible and cause no issue. Assessment and care should be sought if there are any issue with pain, rubbing or shoe fit.
Metatarsus Adductus
Sometimes known as c- shaped foot or banana foot, when the toes and forefoot turn inwards. It is present from birth and can relate to position in the wound or genetic history. Assessment is required to ensure the foot is sufficiently flexible and will not prevent a child’s ability to meet their developmental milestones.
Children’s Shoes
Footwear for growing feet should be chosen wisely, it needs to have the correct flexibility at certain developmental stages, and the correct support at other stages, to allow the foot to develop and function as best they can.
Tips for Parents
Children usually begin to walk between the ages of 8 and 18 months. Allowing non-walkers and new walkers to go barefoot or just in socks will help to allow the foot and child to grow and develop normally.