Children's Feet
			YOUR CHILDREN'S FEET You worry about your children's teeth and eyes and other parts of their bodies.You teach your children washing,brushing and grooming, but what do you do about their feet which are still developing and have to carry their body through a lifetime? During the first year of a child's life their feet grow rapidly, reaching almost half their adult size.By 12 , a child's foot is about 90 percent of its adult length.This is why Podiatrists consider the early years to be the most important in the development of feet. Neglecting foot health can also lead to problems in other parts of the body, such as the legs and back. YOUR BABY'S FEET The feet of young children are soft and pliable, which means abnormal pressure on their feet can lead to deformities Some suggestions to help ensure the normal development of your baby's feet are; *Provide an opportunity for your baby to exercise their feet.By covering your baby loosely, you allow your children to kick and perforn other related motions,preparing their feet and legs for walking. *Try to avoid placing your baby on their stomach for prolonged periods as this can place excessive strain on their feet.and legs. STARTING TO WALK When yor child first begins to walk between 10-18 months-shoes are generally not necessary, unless a problem is detected. Allowing your child to walk bare foot, this will help normal muscle development. Sitting positions may also affect foot and leg development.Discourage 'frog sitting' with their knees turned in and feet turned out. GROWING UP 'Don't worry -they'll grow out of it', is a common response to parents. In some cases this may be true, however as children grow up their feet and legs undergo various stages of development.Your Podiatrist will be able to advise you whether your child's development falls within acceptable limits for their age. FLAT FEET Your child may appear to have flat feet for a period of time, which can be a normal stage in their development.However, there may be some cause for concern if your child remains flat footed. INFECTIONS Tinea,warts and infected ingrowing toe nails are common foot complaints. ADVICE TO PARENTS *Most foot and lower leg problems in children do not cause pain. *Signs that a problem exists may include walking in an unusual or awkward way,unusual wear patterns on shoes and early fatigue. *If you have any concerns about your child's foot health development seek the advice of a Podiatrist.