Parents should inspect the feet of children frequently during developmental years. Knowing what to look for is essential to providing Pediatric Foot Care. Babies have flexible feet that change rapidly. They need to be in socks and shoes that do not squeeze their toes. Encouraging infants to kick and stretch feet often will help strengthen them, and prepare the bones and muscles for walking. Any abnormalities that ar noticed should be addressed as soon as possible. At that early stage, preventative measures can be taken to correct many issues.
Toddlers need to be in shoes that support their heels and ankles as they begin to walk. Parents should not try to force walking. Encourage movement, but allow walking to happen naturally, when the child is ready. If walking is delayed, or there seem to be issues of strength or coordination, make an appointment with an experienced podiatrist for Pediatric Foot Care. When walking does begin, pay attention to the gait if the toddler. It will be a bit unsteady at first, but that should steadily improve as the child practices walking. Any dramatic changes in gait will also require a visit to the podiatrist.
Early detection and correction of minor issues can prevent problems in the future. Mild cases of turning toes in or out, for example, can often be corrected by having the toddler change positions when playing, relaxing, or watching television. If feet are turning in or out, treatments are available to correct the issue. The treatment depends on the degree of the problem. Mild cases, for example, can be treated with special shoes. Moderate cases may require splints, or night braces. Bone structure is usually well-formed by the age of seven or eight. Parents need to check the shoe size of infants and toddlers often because feet are growing constantly. It is not uncommon for a child to change shoe size a few times within one year. Make sure there is plenty of toe room, and the foot can move freely. Constricting shoes can lead to development problems. Parents can go to for information, more tips, and to set up an initial appointment for the child. You can also follow them on Twitter for more updates.
