As Podiatrists we see many foot conditions with the potential for foot/ankle, lower limb and low back problems in adulthood which could be avoided by detection and treatment during childhood. The information contained below may help you as a parent to recognize and avoid some of these disorders in your children’s feet.
Let’s start at the very beginning…
Between birth and your child’s first step the bones in their feet and legs are undergoing important developmental changes. The only care required is to ensure that this development takes place unimpeded by the restraints of tight footwear and bedclothes. Socks and bootees should provide room for toes to move and blankets should not restrict foot and leg movements. Barefoot activity is fine where climate permits. The growing child’s foot may be affected by the positions in which your child sits or sleeps. Sitting on the floor with knees bent and feet turned out, or sleeping on their tummies with feet turned out, should be discouraged.
The average age at which children take their first step is about 14 months, although it is normal for them to walk four months before or after this time. Encouragement by you will not change this and is unnecessary. Similarly, walking frames should be avoided. When they do finally walk allow them the comfort of bare feet as much as possible.