Feet

We get asked all the time about feet. Here are some of the commoner things we get asked.
The bones in baby's feet and toes are very soft. It's important to make sure that they aren't cramped by tight socks, sleepsuits or shoes. Make sure there is room for growth in length and width as baby's feet grow very quickly.

Q. When should I buy shoes?
A. When your baby has been walking independantly for 4-6 weeks.

Q. Why is it important that their feet are measured?
A. Shoes need to be aprox 1cm longer than the longest toe and wide enough for all the toes to lie flat. Shoes that are too small or too big can cause clawing or deformities of the foot as well as callouses or blisters.

Q. What kind of shoes are best?
A. Shoes made of natural materials, leather, cotton or canvas are better as they allow the foot to breathe and mould to the shape of the foot. Shoes with a buckle or lace or velcro will hold the shoe in place and prevent slipping.

Q. How often should I have their feet measured?
A. Once they start wearing shoes children under 4 need to be checked every 8 weeks. Over 4's every three months. Remember to check and discard socks at the same time as you check and discard outgrown shoes. Socks that are too small can be as damaging as ill-fitting shoes. never buy secondhand shoes or pass shoes down from one child to another. Shoes take on the shape of the previous owners foot and could cause damage. Don't rely on asking your child if their shoes feel comfortable. Because their bones are soft they may not be aware of cramping.

Problems.
When baby's begin too walk they often appear to 'waddle'. They may also appear to be 'bow-legged' or 'knock-kneed'. Or walk with their toes turned in or out. Most minor foot problems in young children will correct themselves. If you are concerned about your child's feet or how they walk, come and see us.

Bowlegs - A small gap is seen between the ankles and knees when the child is standing. This can normally be seen until the baby is 2. If it is very pronounced or doesn't correct seek advice from us or your GP.

Knock Knees - This is when a child stands with their knees together and the ankles are at least 1inch apart. A gap of 2-23/4 inches is normal between the ages of 2 and 4. Knock knees usually improve and correct themselves by the age of 6.

In-toeing (pigeon toes) - This is where the feet turn in. It is very common in young children and usually corrects itself by the time the child is 8 or 9. If it is very bad or you are worried please come and see us for an assessment.

Out-toeing - As above only this time the feet point outwards. Again it is very common and usually resolves itself.

Flat feet - Many babies appear to be flat footed. This is because babies have a pad of fat beneath the arch of the foot. This fat disappears as the child grows and walks. If the arch forms when your baby stands on tip toe then usually no treatment is needed. If you are concerned come and ask us for advice.

Tip toe walking - If your child consistantly walks on tiptoe and appears to be unable or reluctant to stand flat contact us for an assessment. Sometimes this can be a consequence of using a baby walker or it may mean your child needs exercises to help stretch the muscle at the back of the legs. A physiotherapist's opinion is usually helpful and we can refer you.

Delayed walking - Most children are walking by the age of eighteen months. However there are a number of conditions or factors which may lead to delayed walking. So don't panic if your child is late in reaching this milestone. We do however strongly recomend that you contact us or your GP for advice if your child isn't walking at this stage.

Helen is a qualified shoe fitter and has had special training in foot problems so please ask us for advice if you are unsure about any of the points in this post.