Human feet are one of the most underrated parts of the body that we often take for granted. Aside from being responsible for the body’s overall support and motor skills, feet can be important indicators of some health issues happening in our body, too.
That’s why as early as childhood, the feet must be well taken care of. If you have kids, it’s probably best to look after your children’s feet.
To help you with that, here are some things that you have to watch out for:
Outfitted Shoes
A lot of kids out there wear shoes or slippers that are either too big or too small for them. This usually happens in big families where almost all things are being passed down up to the last child. While hand-me-downs are a good way to save money, we still have to make sure that the clothes or footwear fit perfectly to them to avoid foot problems in the future. These problems, by the way, could potentially be more expensive.
Growing Pains
Kids really grow fast. One day you’ll be surprised they’re even taller than you. But you don’t have to worry, growth spurts happen all the time. It’s normal. Just be mindful though. Growth spurts can be painful, too.
As the entire body of a child grows, other parts will try to keep up with that growth spurt. Since the legs and feet are what supports the body mainly, these are the body parts that might experience some pains during growth. Especially if kids love to jump around and run here and there.
To help them manage the pain, gently massage your kids’ legs and feet after a long day of playing outside, after going home from school or before bed at night. Stretching will help, too!
Osteochondroses (Growth Plates)
Osteochondroses is a condition that causes pain in growth plates. This usually happens to kids from 2-6 years old who are always engaged in sports and other activities that involve a lot of running and jumping.
There are other types of Osteochondroses. See if you notice any of these in your kids:
- Sever’s Disease is probably the most common. This involves the growth plate in the heel
- Osgood Schlatter involves the plates in the knees
- Kohler’s involves the navicular
- Iselin’s which involves the foot
Ingrown Nails And Warts
Kids having ingrown nails is not a usual occurrence, but it can happen. There are a lot of reasons why it happens:
- Trauma to the nail for example dropping something on it that is heavy
- Improper cutting of the nail
- Improper or uncomfortable footwear
If your kids start to complain about things like pain in the nail or toe, it’s best to have it checked by professional foot doctors like Watsonia Podiatry.
On the other hand, warts are caused by human papillomavirus. Children are more susceptible to this virus for they are not as immune to it as adults are. They can get the warts virus when they go swimming a lot, because the decks are always warm and wet.
Toe Walking
Toe walking is when your child walks only with their toes without the heel touching the ground. If this always happens, it might be caused by something else.
Toe walking is often associated with developmental issues, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, or autism. If your child complains of tightness or pain in their calf muscles, it’s best if you consult the professionals.
Intoeing
Commonly referred to as being pigeon toed, it happens when a child walks with both of their feet turned in. If this occurs, bring your child to the doctor. Treatment would usually include changing your kid’s posture, some exercises, and replacing your baby’s shoes.
Questions about the condition of the child when he or she was in the womb, delivery, as well as their physical development. It’s for proper assessment, so no need to worry that much.
Our feet keep us mobile and they support all of the weight in our body. So it’s only necessary to look out for this pair. Especially with your children who are at a very young age. Because kids love to run and jump around at this stage
One of the many ways to take care of your children’s feet is to bring them to the foot doctors who are experts in the field. This way, you’ll know more about your child’s feet and be advised of the best things to do.
In happens in my household passing on shoes from one child to the other.
But the part of massaging the feet I do that
The feet are such an essential part of the body. I love giving my baby a quick foot massage after a bath.
Wow very informative
Feet are such an important body part. My kids dislike shoes. I’m so glad they do as their feet get enough for healthy growth.
My kids didn’t wear hard sole shoes until they were walking for quite some time. I’d hate if they were pigeon toed.