As we all know, children’s feet are extremely precious and fragile. It is therefore quite common for children to suffer from a number of ailments which might cause you, as parents, some concern. Some may indeed cause new parents to become unnecessarily worried. Examples of these common ailments found among children include:
- Bow-legged and knock-kneed – up until the age of 2, many toddlers are bow-legged (where the legs bow outwards). Many children of this age sit with their soles touching and when the legs are extended there is still an obvious space between the knee joints. In the majority of cases, this is nothing to worry about and over time slight changes caused by growth will cause the joints to straighten. Slightly old children (between 3 and 5 years old) suffer from the opposite problem – knock-knee. This is a condition where there is a large distance between the ankles when the knees are touching. Again, in the majority of cases, this is nothing for parents to be concerned about and the child will grow out of it.
- Toe Walking – many toddlers find it easier to walk on their toes than to walk ‘normally’, this is quite common and perfectly natural. If it continues over an extended period of time contact your GP or health visitor if you are concerned.
- Pigeon toes – another common problem with children’s feet is yet another which will more than likely correct itself over time. Pigeon toes causes children’s feet to point inwards when walking.
- Toeing-out – as with pigeon toes, toeing-out is a condition that quite often corrects itself over time, especially with proper foot care and footwear. In some young children, it is simply a natural attempt at improving balance.
- Flat feet – many children appear to have flat feet from an early age. This isn’t necessarily a reason for concern. If, when your child stands on tiptoe, you can see an arch in their foot then there is no need to worry.
- Sweaty feet- a great number of children suffer with sweaty feet – a problem, which, when combined with friction (from ill-fitting shoes) could cause fungal infections. Regular foot care (washing feet, changing socks, etc) is important, as is properly fitted shoes made from breathable leathers and other natural material.
Childs first shoes
The NHS emphasise the importance of buying and fitting the correctly sized shoes for your child. Cramped shoes prevent proper growth, while oversized shoes will not give the proper support. They also recommend natural materials to allow proper breathing and air circulation in order to prevent excessively sweaty feet and potential fungal infections.
Start-Rite shoes are keen to promote healthy feet in children across the UK which is why they provide comfortable, supportive children’s shoes in premium leather with an emphasis on correct fitting and regular foot measuring.
All of the above common issues discussed above can be minimised with the use and fitting of good quality shoes and footwear available from Start-Rite shoes.
