Healthy feet are extremely important to us and you as a parent. Healthy, strong feet allow your child to walk, run and play! If your child’s foot development is normal, it will prevent lower limb, and back pain in the future. Exams can help to show if your child’s bones are developing and growing correctly. An exam performed by a Chiropodist/Podiatrist may also assure that your child is walking right. If a problem does arise, this is the time that it is easiest to fix.

Your childs foot doesn't completely form til the age of 7 or 8 as there are many open Growth Plates in the childs developing lower limb(area where bone growth begins). If a Growth Plate is damaged, the bone may grow with a deformity. With proper care this can be reduced.

When to see a Foot Specialist:

If the injury is mild your child will probably not remember it for long. If, your child keeps complaining have the injury checked by a Chiropodist/Podiatrist. Call your foot specialist if you notice that the injury causes serious swelling, localized tenderness, limping, or ongoing night pains.

YOUR BABY'S Feet:

- Both size and shape rapidly change during the first year
- In fact, babys feet are FAT, FLAT and FLOPPY until the age of 3! – this is not a concern
- Many bones in the foot have yet to develop – too much added strain may affect your babys foot shape
- Allow your baby to kick and stretch his or her feet
- If you can, allow your baby to go barefoot in home (make sure there are no hazards)
- Make sure shoes and socks are not overly tight, as they may be squeezing the toes

Possible Foot Care:

- If you are concerned about your babys feet talk with a Chiropodist or Podiatrist – they will help determine if there is a problem
- It is common for your babys feet to turn in – this may worry you, HOWEVER, it is rarely a problem
- The shape of your childs foot will change as it grows
- Your Chiropodist or Podiatrist may suggest gentle stretching exercises to aid in proper development

YOUR TODDLERS Feet

- Your toddler will walk when he or she is ready – try not to force this issue. If there is significant delay you may talk to your Chiropodist/Podiatrist or GP
- Instead, monitor your childs Gait (how they walk) when they do start to walk

           1) Do they walk on their toes?
           2) Do they tend to sit while other kids play?
           3) Feet FLAT, FAT and FLOPPY – not a concern this is normal up to the age of 3

- Many people are concerned that their childs feet tend to turn in. This may be referred to as IN-TOEING.Again, this is often not a concern – as most tend to out grow this problem. Don’t hesitate to contact someone should you have a concern
- PREVENT your child from sitting in a “W” pattern. (See picture above) Notice how the childs legs form the shape of a "W'. 

WHEN FOOT CARE IS NEEDED:

- During the gait and biomechanical exam, we will identify any problems.
- We may prescribe orthotics to help with severe flat feet or even intoeing
- We may ask you to prevent your child from sitting in a “W” position
- If your childs foot or leg turns in a lot; shoes, splints or night braces may be prescribed.
- If you have any concerns don’t hesitate to come to the WATERLOO FOOT CLINIC. 

Most of the time your feet take a beating without you even realizing it. Often, it's not until you feel pain that you begin to consider the health of your feet.