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CHILDREN’S FEET

Development

At six month of age the foot is still mostly cartilage, in fact the last bone doesn’t begin to form until children are about 3 years old. By 18 years, most of the bones are fully formed. Children’s feet are soft and pliable making them prone to damage from abnormal pressure, such as shoes which are too small.

Babies

Foot care can begin in infancy by keeping your baby's feet unconstrained. Grow suits should always be loose around your baby's feet. Making time for your baby to kick freely will help with the development of muscles in the legs and feet.

Walking

Children usually begin to walk any time between 10 and 24 months of age. Each child is unique and will move through the developmental states at their own pace. Each child follows a developmental sequence from lying to sitting, crawling, standing, cruising, walking to running, jumping and hopping.

When your child first begins to walk, shoes are not necessary indoors. Allowing babies to go barefoot or to wear socks or leather soft soled shoes helps the foot to grow normally and promotes the grasping action of the toes. Sometimes children walk with their feet pointed inwards (in-toeing) or outward (out-toeing), other children walk on their toes (toe-walking). In most cases, these variations in walking are normal. Most children will have grown out of these walking styles by the age of two. However; if these pattern persist, or you have concerns, you should take your child to a podiatrist.

An estimated 10-20% of children have flat feet. Flat feet in children are not necessarily a problem. However if they are causing pain, affecting mobility or interfering with activities they should be investigated. Should the child also be experiencing what is described as “growing pains”, a podiatry assessment may be warranted.

Growing Feet

A child’s feet will double in size by the age of one and they are approximately half their adult length by 18 months of age. Between the ages of 5 and 12 growth is approximately 9mm per year, with adult foot size approximated by twelve to fourteen years of age. Frequent changes in the size of shoes and socks are necessary to make room for rapidly growing feet during childhood. Do a size check at least 1-3 months up to the age of three, every 4 months up to five years and every 6 months from five years.

Footwear

Above all, shoes should protect your children's feet.

Fitting Footwear:

Always have both feet measured for length and width.

The toe of the shoe should allow toes to move freely and not be squashed from the top or the sides. Make sure there is about 10mm growing room for children between the end of the longest toe and the end of the shoe.

Shoes should fit comfortably around the heel and not be too loose or too tight.

About SKEANIE

SKEANIE is a Preferred Provider of The AUSTRALIAN PODIATRY ASSOCIATION (NSW). SKEANIE designs classic leather footwear for little feet from newborn to five years. The SKEANIE Infant Range shoes feature a soft leather suede sole, perfect for pre-walkers and early walkers. The SKEANIE Junior Range feature an innovative light-weight flexible rubber sole, designed to protect and provide the flexibility little feet require when walking.

Professional Advice

A check-up with a podiatrist is recommended if:

· You notice uneven shoe wear

· You notice any skin rashes, hard skin lumps or bumps on your child’s feet

· Your child complains of recurrent pain in the feet and/or legs

· Your child is constantly tripping or falling

· Or you have any other concerns about your child’s feet.

About Podiatrists

Podiatrists are highly skilled health professionals trained to deal with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of medical and surgical conditions of the feet and lower limbs. Podiatrists are tertiary qualified and trained. They need to be registered with the Podiatrists’ Registration Board and are continually upgrading their skills and knowledge through further education and training.

Australian Podiatry Association (NSW)

www.podiatry.asn.au

Phone: 02 96983751

Fax: 02 96987116

Email: apoda@podiatry.asn.au

Post: 20/450 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010

This information is not to be used as a substitute for advice from a podiatrist of medical professional. The above information is derived from The Australian Podiatry Association (NSW)’s “Children’s Feet. What you need to know…”