Children's Podiatry

Children's feet are vulnerable to deformity particularly while soft cartilage is forming into bone. Caring for a child's feet from a young age will benefit their health and help to prevent foot problems arising. 

Children develop at different rates, many issues with children's feet arise due to growth and development, some of the changes are apart of normal development and don't often need intervention, some may need to be seen by a podiatrist. 

At A&C Podiatry we often see children with verruca's and are able to provide treatment options for this. Most verruca's aren't painful they will often disappear of their own accord and will not always require treatment. 

Children ideally don't need to wear shoes until they can walk, Children’s feet are vulnerable to deformity as the bones aren't fully formed until around 18 years of age.  Making sure footwear and hosiery is fitted correctly is very important. Walking bare foot, where it is safe, is good for feet. Avoid tightly wrapped blankets that prevent kicking and leg movements and avoid tight baby-grows/socks for babies.

When buying footwear go to a reputable shop, your child's feet can then be measured and footwear fitted correctly. It is important to check the shape of the shoe at the toe area, this  should be wide and round allowing for toes to move and spread.

Ideally the shoe should have a lace / buckle or Velcro strap, without anything to keep the foot secure  your child’s toes will claw to hold the shoe on. Avoid shoes with a high heel, high heels can result in foot deformity.

If you notice excessive shoe-wear or a child complains of leg pain, your child may need a Gait assessment to determine a treatment plan.