Your Baby's Feet

The human foot - one of the most complicated parts of the body - has 26 bones, including an intricate system of ligaments, muscles, blood vessels and nerves. Because the feet of young children are soft and pliable, abnormal body forces can cause deformities.



A child's feet grow rapidly during the first year. For this reason, podiatric physicians, also known podiatrists, consider this period to be the most critical stage of the foot's development.



Here are some suggestions to help ensure normal development:

1. Look carefully at your baby's feet. If you notice something that does not look normal to you, contact an APMA podiatric physician (Dr. Vail). Many deformities will not correct themselves if left untreated.
2. Keep your baby's feet unrestricted. No shoes or booties are necessary for infants. These can restrict movement and can inhibit toes and feet from normal development.
3. Change the baby's position several times a day. Lying too long in one spot can put excessive strain on the feet and legs. Be sure to limit how much time your baby spends standing in an activity center to no more than 15 minutes at a time.

As always, if you have any concerns or questions, please call our office to set up an appointment to see Dr. Vail (419-423-1888).