As Podiatrists we see many foot conditions with the potential for foot/ankle, lower limb and low back problems in adulthood which could be avoided by detection and treatment during childhood. The information contained below may help you as a parent to recognize and avoid some of these disorders in your children’s feet.
Let’s start at the very beginning…
Between birth and your child’s first step the bones in their feet and legs are undergoing important developmental changes. The only care required is to ensure that this development takes place unimpeded by the restraints of tight footwear and bedclothes. Socks and bootees should provide room for toes to move and blankets should not restrict foot and leg movements. Barefoot activity is fine where climate permits. The growing child’s foot may be affected by the positions in which your child sits or sleeps. Sitting on the floor with knees bent and feet turned out, or sleeping on their tummies with feet turned out, should be discouraged.
If your child is complaining of foot, ankle or knee pain, it may have something to do with their foot alignment. Healthy foot posture is an important part of maintaining not only healthy feet, but also avoiding other misalignments that can affect the biomechanics of the entire body. Proper foot alignment helps in distributing weight evenly across the feet, reducing strain on muscles, ligaments, and joints. When feet are well-supported and aligned, it can prevent issues such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, and even knee, hip, and lower back pain.
Orthotics can make a significant difference. By redistributing pressure and improving posture, they help prevent further injury play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for many individuals. These custom-designed devices are crafted to provide support, alleviate pain, and correct the alignment of the feet and lower limbs. Podiatrist can customise orthotics to fit the unique contours of your feet, providing tailored support that addresses specific issues such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or high arches.
Comments