We often take our feet for granted. Our feet are two of the many body parts that mainly support the weight of our bodies and play a big role in our motor skills. And yet, they receive the least attention.

Unbeknownst to others, our feet can also be a vital indicator of some health issues. It can provide some of the telltale signs that our body is hurting. That’s why as early as childhood, we must take care of them. And if you have children, there are some things that you must look out for, concerning their feet.

Here are only some of them: 

Too Small or Too Big Shoes

As much as possible, don’t let your kids wear shoes that don’t fit exactly to them. While hand-me-downs are a good option to save up, make sure that all the clothes, especially shoes, are still a perfect fit to your little kids to prevent having any problems in the future. In fact, there are better ways to tie your shoes in a way that won’t hurt your kids’ feet.  

Growing Pains

You’ll be surprised how kids could grow up really fast. One day you’ll find yourself tilting your head just to talk to them. While growth spurts are only normal, you must always be on the lookout. Because sudden growth can be painful, too.

As the entire body grows, some body parts will have to keep up with the growth spurt. Some of those parts are the legs and the feet. And your kids might feel some pains in those areas during the process. This is common especially to those kids who are always running, jumping, and are engaged in sports.

What you can do is to massage the legs and feet of your kids after playing, once they got home, or before going to sleep. 

Osteochondrosis

This condition usually happens to children who are 2 – 6 years of age, and are always into sports and other activities that require a lot of running and jumping.

Osteochondrosis can take many forms. Here are only some of them:

  • Sever’s Disease is the most common in kids. This involves the growth plate in the heel
  • Osgood Schlatter’s on the other hand occurs on the plates in the knees
  • If it’s in the navicular, it’s Kohler’s
  • Lastly, Iselin’s involves the foot

Warts and Ingrown

Although ingrown nails rarely happen on kids, there’s still a possibility that they will grow. And here are some of the reasons why:

  • Dropping a heavy object on the nail that causes trauma to it
  • Improper nail cutting
  • Wearing of uncomfortable and improper shoes 

On the other hand, children are more prone to warts because of the virus called papillomavirus. They can get this virus if they often go swimming because this virus thrives on a warm and wet pool deck.

When you start seeing these warts and ingrown on your kids’ foot, it’s best that you contact podiatry clinics like Watsonia Podiatry. So you can have your children assessed by a professional foot doctor.

Toe Walking

As the name suggests, toe walking is when your kids walk with the toes and not with the whole feet. If your kid always walks without his or her heel touching the ground, there might be something more to it.

Toe walking is often linked to muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, autism and other developmental issues. If you notice your child doing this, it’s better if you consult the experts. Especially if they often complain of pain in the calf muscles. 

Intoeing

Intoeing on the other hand is when your child walks with both of their feet turned in. This condition is also referred to as pigeon toed. If your kid’s feet is intoeing, bring your child to the doctor.

Childhood is the stage where kids love to run around and jump recklessly. That’s why as a parent, you must always look out after them. Especially their feet which keep them mobile. Always observe your kids and see if any of the conditions mentioned above are experienced by your children. If yes, seek help from professionals.