5 Tips for Improving Children’s Foot Health
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Every parent wants their child to have healthy feet. At Texas Foot Specialists, we also know that good podiatric care in childhood is more likely to lead to healthy feet and healthy habits in adulthood.
Below are five ways you can help ensure good podiatric health for your children.
Develop a good hygiene routine. Even from a young age, children can start to develop a personal care regimen. Washing feet every day and always wearing clean and dry socks will go a long way toward preventing athlete’s feet and other fungal infections. Teach your children not to share shoes, socks or other items that touch another person’s feet.
Give infant feet space. So much foot growth occurs from birth until a child’s first birthday. Be sure that feet are unfettered and allowed to kick, wiggle and move at will. Do not put your infant in tight shoes or socks.
Give your child quality shoes that fit properly. A child’s foot can grow half a size in just six months. It’s essential that you have your child’s feet professionally measured and monitor their shoe fit regularly. Avoid hand-me-down shoes because shoes tend to mold to the foot of the wearer and can cause pain in another wearer.
Pay attention to signs that your young child may be experiencing foot pain or discomfort. A sudden disinterest in activities they previously enjoyed, walking on tiptoe or on the side of their feet, lagging behind playmates and frequent trips or falls may be an indicator that something is wrong with his or her feet. Listen if your child complains of foot or ankle pain. Make an appointment at our Sugar Land (281-242-4448), Pasadena (281-991-0600) or Houston (713-664-6677) office so that our podiatrists, Dr. Bruce Miller or Dr. Gregory Mangum, can examine your child’s feet and determine if a foot problem is present.