A Plan for Pediatric Foot Care
Did your child’s feet grow over winter break? If you have to think about it, you may want to check their shoe size. It’s typical for us to go shoe shopping before school, but what about during the school year? Kids experience growth spurts, so there’s a chance that a little overnight growth has led to the need for a larger shoe size.
As you read this blog post, think about ways to start a conversation with your child about their shoes. Then, create a plan to stay on track with growth spurts. Every child is different with their growth and development. No matter the age, PodiatryCare, PC and the Heel Pain Center want to help kids wear the most comfortable and supportive shoes. It starts with wearing the correct size.
As adults, a few steps of discomfort may give us a signal of a shoe change. For children, the signs may not be as obvious. Here are a few reasons why we must check children’s shoes often:
1. Wear and tear
Children play hard. That’s what makes recess fun, right? Regular wear and tear may bring surprise holes and less support. Give your child’s shoes a good look-over periodically to see how they’re holding up on the playground. Holes and tears make shoes dangerous to wear.
2. Hidden friction
Have you seen more calluses and corns lately on your child’s feet? The layered skin is caused by friction, which is often the result of ill-fitting shoes. Your child may need a wider pair of shoes or a larger size. Don’t ignore the changes -- or underestimate friction.
3. Future problems
Did you know that the wrong pair of shoes is one of the leading causes of common foot conditions or worsening symptoms? From ingrown toenails to painful flat feet, a shoe switch can make a big difference in the steps you take. Correcting foot issues or bad habits now helps your child get a better understanding of pediatric foot care.
During your next chat with your preschooler or even your teenager, check in about their shoes. You never know how they may be feeling.
Our board-certified team of foot and ankle doctors at PodiatryCare, PC and the Heel Pain Center has experience with addressing foot needs, including bunions and hammertoes, pediatric foot care, custom orthotics, heel pain, diabetic foot care, and more. The team includes Dr. Charlotte George, Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, and Dr. Laura Vander Poel. We have two locations in Hartford County: 1379 Enfield Street, Enfield, CT, and 1350 Sullivan Avenue, South Windsor, CT. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.