Most babies do not wear shoes until they begin to walk comfortably. As the toes grip the floor, the bones, tendons, muscles and ligaments in each foot can become stronger. It is important that the toes have enough room in the socks to move freely, and are not stretched too tight over the foot. Many people choose to have their child’s feet properly measured when purchasing their child's first pair of shoes. This is done by measuring the length and the width of each foot, which can help to determine the exact size shoe your child should wear. Shoes that fit properly have adequate room for the toes, and the heel should fit securely. If your child’s foot slips out of the shoe while walking, the next size smaller may be considered. Children’s feet grow fast, and it is beneficial to have them measured every four to six weeks. The rate the feet grow will slow down at approximately four years of age, and then generally increase one size per year until age twenty. If you would like additional information about what to look for before purchasing your child’s shoes, please confer with a podiatrist.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Ali Davis, DPM of The Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Overland Park, KS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.