Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Parents have a lot to worry about ­ from diet to exercise to interaction with peers, their children's health is a constant concern. While their kids' feet might not be at the top of most parents' priority list, it's a vital part of their development. Remember these tips:  

Choose quality

Above all else, it is imperative to be sure your growing child is wearing the proper shoes. Their bones are are still very flexible and need to be positioned properly in their footwear. Don't wait for them to complain about discomfort ­ often the contortion of their feet happens so gradually that neither you nor your child may realize it.

This is also true of athletic shoes ­ they should be comfortable and offer proper support for the type of activity your child will be doing. Inquire at your podiatrist's office about their brand recommendations.

Kids outgrow shoes fast

All parents know that feeling: your child has outgrown yet another pair of shoes. Experts advise that younger children's feet tend to grow faster. Therefore, toddlers will generally go up in size every two to three months. By the time your child is three years old, he or she will likely stay in the same size for about six months. Up until kids are in their early teens, parents can expect to replace the children's shoes at least once, if not twice, ­ a year.

No bare feet outdoors

Childhood memories often include the feeling of running through fresh grass in bare feet, but doctors caution against this idyllic rite of passage. Sharp, dirty objects on the ground may be discovered the hard way ­by stepping on them. Not only are they painful, but deep puncture wounds can harbor harmful bacteria, including tetanus.

Talk to your podiatrist if you have any questions or concerns about your child's foot or ankle health.