YOUR CHILD'S FEET

Why your child's foot care is important?

Having strong, healthy feet allows your child to walk, run, and play. If your child's feet form correctly, certain types of back and leg pain can be avoided later in life. Examination of the foot and ankle ensures that your child's bones are growing correctly. Dr. Honick can also make sure that your child is walking correctly. This helps to prevent some future foot problems and if a problem does arise, it can be handled early when it is easiest to treat.

Your Baby's Feet: Both the size and shape of your child's feet change quickly during the first year of life. Because your baby's feet are flexible, too much pressure or strain can affect the shape of the foot. To help promote normal growth, allow your baby to kick and stretch his or her feet. Also, make sure she is in socks that do not squeeze the toes. Talk to Dr. Honick if you are concerned about your baby's feet. Many infant's have feet that appear to turn in. This may worry you but it is rarely a problem as the shape of the foot changes as your child grows.

Toddler's Feet: Your toddler will walk when he or she is ready. Try not to force the issue; instead, watch your child's gait. When he or she does begin to walk, does the toe touch down in front of the heel? Does your child only sit while others play actively? If so talk with Dr. Honick. Many toddlers toe in but most outgrow the problem. If a gait problem exists, Dr. Honick will work to identify its cause. To help with flatfeet special shoes or orthotics may be prescribed. To correct mild intoeing, you toddler may need to sit in a different position while playing or watching T.V. If your child's feet turn in or out, corrective shoes, splints, or night braces may be prescribed. Wearing these devices can help the foot as it grows.

Active Feet: The foot's bone structure is well formed by the time your child reaches eight years old but if a growth plate (the area where the bone growth begins) is injured a damaged plate may cause the bone to grow oddly. With Dr. Honick's care however the risk of future bone problems is reduced. If an injury is mild your child probably will not remember it for very long but if your child keeps complaining of pain have the injury checked by Dr. Honick. Call Dr. Honick when injury causes serious swelling, localized tenderness, limping, or ongoing night pains. If a bone or growth plate is damaged, your child may need the use of crutches to take weight off the injury as it heals. In the case of a fracture, a cast boot or brace may be needed to hold the bone in place during healing.

If the shoe fits - If your child's feet grow correctly and stay healthy, foot problems are less likely later in life. Check your child's shoe size often, make sure there is space between the toes and end of the shoe. Wearing shoes that are too small cramps the foot and this may affect foot function. Do not let your child wear hand me down shoes because shoes mold to the foot and wearing hand me downs can affect the shape of your child's feet.