Children’s Podiatry

 Children’s Podiatry

As we all know, it’s important to keep on top of your child’s health, including their feet! Your child’s first steps is an exciting moment for any parent and we want to ensure they have a safe, easy and painless journey to walking by themselves. Most children begin to walk from 8-18 months and often develop flat-feet when they first start. Don’t be alarmed, this is normal! Flat feet usually improve as the bones develop and the feet strengthen. Toddlers feet can turn inwards once they’ve started to walk, this usually improves over time after the muscle has caught up with the growth development. However, if your child is suffering from any kind of foot pain, we recommend you visit our podiatry clinic where we can provide a children’s podiatry consultation for your little one.

We advise that you book a children’s podiatry consultation if these symptoms appear:

• Limping

• Pain in legs when going to sleep

• Painful toenails

• Complaining about walking and being too tired to walk

• Pain through the ankle, foot or knees

• Frequent tripping over when walking

• Unusual wear pattern on one or both shoes

• Walking on tip toes

Choosing the correct footwear is essential for your little one’s to prevent injury and offer support while the foot is still growing. Toddlers should generally be barefoot or in soft soled shoes to ensure they develop the correct muscle strength when beginning to walk. After toddlers have been walking confidently for a longer period of time, they can progress onto a harder soled shoe for better protection and support. Although we recommend professionally fitting toddlers new shoes every six months. Shoes that are too tight can disrupt the muscle development and create further problems such as ingrown toenails.

Toddlers shoes should have plenty of room for toe movement and laces or velcro straps to support the ankle and foot. Feel free to visit one of our podiatrists for recommendations on footwear for your little ones! 

ArchRite are a family friendly podiatry clinic located in Malaga. Experienced in treating children’s podiatry, book your appointment today with a direct concern or a check up on the progress of your child’s foot growth.