"Should We Be Seeing a Podiatrist?": The Importance of Foot Health for Young Children
by Tyler Ingle
Podiatry plays a crucial role in ensuring the proper development and overall health of children's feet and lower limbs. Children's feet are constantly changing as they grow, and early detection of issues like flat feet, poor posture, or improper walking patterns can prevent long-term problems. Podiatrists help identify proper foot alignment, balance, and function, ensuring that children can move comfortably and confidently, playing a vital role in supporting a strong, active, and pain-free future for kids. “Children’s feet are not smaller versions of adult feet. Instead, their feet are growing and forming, making them more susceptible to various conditions and deformities,” said Dr. Laura Michetti, owner of First Choice Podiatry. “The goal of pediatric podiatry is to advise parents and caretakers on choosing proper footwear, maintaining foot hygiene, and fostering healthy lifestyle habits to support optimal foot development.” A child's foot development progresses through distinct stages. Babies are born with flat feet and bowlegs, with their arches hidden under fat pads. By around 19 months, their knees become straighter. At 3 years old, knock knees emerge, and the arches of the feet begin to develop. Between 4 and 6 years, the arches continue forming, and leg alignment becomes more adult- like. By 7 to 8 years old, the arches are fully developed. One of the most commonly asked questions: “When should my child see a podiatrist?” Dr. Michetti provided a list of factors below that may warrant a visit to the podiatrist. • Persistent Pain: Frequent complaints from your child about foot, ankle, or heel pain that doesn't subside with rest may indicate an underlying condition • Swelling or Redness: Unexplained swelling, redness, or warmth in the foot or ankle area • Changes in Walking Patterns: Noticeable changes in your child's gait, such as limping, toe-walking, or one foot turning inward or outward • In-toeing and out-toeing: when the feet either point inward or outward • Flat feet: If this continues beyond age 8, flat feet should be treated if they cause pain or contribute
to overpronation, excessive foot rotation, or arch flattening • Ingrown Toenails: Recurring ingrown toenails causing pain or infection require professional treatment to prevent further complications • Difficulty Wearing Shoes: Difficulty finding comfortable shoes due to foot pain, deformities, or heel pain • Frequent Trips and Falls: Regular tripping or falling while walking or running may suggest balance issues or other foot-related abnormalities • Visible Deformities: The presence of bunions, hammertoes, or other visible deformities on your child’s feet
Graphic courtesy of Foot Arch Pro.
“Early podiatric intervention significantly enhances a child's quality of life, sets a solid foundation for lifelong foot health and overall well-being”, said Dr. Michetti. Some at-home care tips include a regular inspection of your child's feet for any signs of redness, swelling, or other abnormalities, ensuring that your child wears well-fitting shoes that provide adequate support and are appropriate for their activities. Trimming your child's toenails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails and potential infections and regularly applying a gentle moisturizer to your child's feet are also important.
WINTER 2025 | 73
Powered by FlippingBook