Why is paediatric foot care important?
As children grow, their joints and bones develop and change. So, it is beneficial to visit a podiatrist annually to ensure their growth and development match their age.
But why is paediatric foot care so important? Because, as you may already know, or will soon find out, children’s feet grow rapidly, therefore, many foot and ankle problems can develop from a young age. Unfortunately, children won’t grow out of these conditions without correction from a podiatrist. At Sky Podiatry, we will be able to plan treatments to ensure that the biomechanics of the foot are not damaged permanently.
Taking care of young feet
Young feet continue to develop at a quick pace, until the growth drops off around maturity. During the first few years, children continue to develop the muscles and motor skills that take them from a waddle to a comfortable walk.
Children’s feet continue to develop the structures that keep us upright and stable, such as our foot arches. During this time of development, you may see your child engaging in some unusual moving behaviour, or you might notice something odd about the shape of their feet. Some examples include:
Walking with the feet curved inward toward each other (in-toeing) or facing away from each other (out-toeing).
Standing or walking on tiptoes often.
Arches disappearing (flat feet) when standing but reappear when sitting or rising onto their toes.
In many cases, these movements are just part of learning how to walk, and overtime these abnormalities tend to disappear. However, keep in mind that these behaviours can sometimes be a sign of an underlying problem.
Through annual check-ups, we can assess the progress of your child’s structural and motor development. If we see any causes for concern, we can address them early on, reducing any discomfort or future impact they may have.
Looking out for your kids
Common paediatric issues such as flat feet, and structural abnormalities as well as ingrown toenails, sports injuries, and other problems can cause significant pain. Fortunately, these issues are not difficult to address. However, a bigger challenge can be identifying when something is bothering a child.
Children may choose to hide something that his causing them pain for a number of reasons. For example, they may be afraid of having to go to the doctor, or temporarily stopping their favourite sporting activities.
In these circumstances, you need to watch for signs of potential problems, which may include the child:
Not participating in their favourite activities.
Favouring one foot or the other.
Walking with a noticeable limp.
If you witness any signs like these, it may be an indication that there is something wrong. You should speak to your child to confirm whether you may need to seek the help of a podiatrist.
Foot care from a young age into the future
At some point in our adulthood, we can likely expect some kind of foot or ankle problem to affect us in our lives. The same can be said for young children but taking the small steps to help ensure their podiatric development runs smoothly can give them that extra care into adulthood.
At Sky Podiatry, our podiatrist with a interest in paediatric foot health can address any concerns you have regarding your children’s feet. Book a consultation today and let us help you get back on your feet.
Sky Podiatry
Shop 3/220-224 Westbury Rd, Prospect, TAS 7250
(03) 6732 7838
Google My Business Listing: https://g.co/kgs/U3f4ARa
Sky Podiatry
Target Complex, Shop 5/21 Vermont Rd, Mowbray, TAS 7248
(03) 6724 3171
Google My Business Listing: https://g.co/kgs/rAvA2kG