Tips for Caring for Children's Feet

The saying it take a village to raise a child may be true.  We are here to help you care for you child's feet and set a good example.  Prevention is very important when it come to the health of your chil, and this includes feet! Check out these ten tips for caring for feet.

1. Look carefully at your newborn's feet. Lookout for abnormalites and make sure they get checked out and treated before they become a serious problem.
2. Lightly cover your baby's feet Allowing your baby to kick and move around encourage muscle development in the feet. Tight covers could slow development.
3. Let your toddler go shoeless Going barefoot indoors is healthy especially as a child begins to walk
4. Watch for lingering toe-walking Walking solely on the toes after age 2 could be a sign of more serious problems.
5. Cut toenails straight across This helps avoid ingrown toenails.
6. Keep feet clean and dry Clean, dry feet will help prevent infections.
7. Buy shoes that fit well Kids feet should be every time shoes are purchased because they grow so quickly.
8. Prevention Don't allow your child to walk barefoot outdoors or in areas where sharp objects may be on the floor. This will prevent foreign objects from entering your child's foot and causing pain and injury.
9. Cover Cuts Wash and cover cuts until they have healed.
10. Set a Good Example Take good care of your feet anreyou child should learn by example.

If you notice any abnormalites in you child's feet, be sure to schedule and appointment with a podiatrist.

Shoe (and sock!) Shopping 101

It may not be time to make the annual new shoe purchase for you child, but it is important to know what to look for when that time comes.  90% of people are wearing improperly fitting shoes and most foot problems are caused or aggravated by improperly fitting shoes.

Good shoes are especially important to avoid problems in developing feet. Because shoes serve only to protect children's feet from injury, none are needed before a child walks. High-topped infant shoes do not support ankles - oxfords and tennis shoes are equally good.

Check OFTEN to be sure shoes aren't too small. Children's feet are so flexible they can be crammed into shoes two sizes too small - and the child may not complain.

Don't have children wear hand-me-down shoes. They are permanently molded to the original owner's feet.
And remember, kids with a family history of foot problems like bunions and flat feet can benefit from custom foot orthotics as young as 18 months old to slow down the progression of some inherited foot deformities.

Shoes are definitely important, but don't forget about socks!  Making sure your child's socks are the right size and shape is just as important as getting the right shoe.

Here are some sock buying tips from the trenches:
- A sock with a poly/cotton blend is the best for everyday wear. Sweat wicking blends like Coolmaxx or Dry-weave are best for running. If you have a chronic fungal infection or itchy feet, you may like socks impregnated with silver or copper to decrease the fungus and bacteria collecting in between your toes.
- It really is all about fit. Socks should fit like a glove. No loose fabric or bunching up around the toes and especially no contracting or curling your toes because they are too small! Thin or thick, just make sure they fit and don't make you shoes too tight.
- Diabetics and those with circulation problems or blister problems at the tips of your toes should wear specialty seamless socks. These are available in many types and sizes. For example, the SmoothToe diabetic sock is available through our online product store along with many others.

SmoothToe Socks Feature: • No Irritating Toe Seam. •Keeps Feet Cool and Dry. •Secure Fit. •Unique Hourglass Construction. •Heel to Toe Comfort Sole.
- All socks should be tried on with the appropriate shoes. Don't try on your running socks with dress shoes...that's a recipe for buying the wrong socks!
- When in doubt, visit Step Alive Shoes, our therapeutic shoe store. We have lots of socks and can help you with your choices for everyday and running.

Pregnancy and Your Feet

Becoming a mother is one of the most exciting things that can happen to a woman.  There is so much joy and excitement surrounding pregnancy, don't let foot pain get in the way.  Pregnancy can cause everything from swollen feet to leg cramps.  This list of symptoms and how to prevent them from the American Podiatric Medical Association may help expecting mothers avoid some discomfort in their feet and legs.

• Swollen feet, Change in Shoe Size, Color Changes
• Put your feet up whenever possible
• Uncross legs and ankles while seated
• Stretch legs frequently while sitting
• Wear comfortable shoes
• Measure feet periodically
• Overpronation or Flat Feet
• Wear comfortable footwear that provides a lot of support and shock absorption
• Avoid High Heels
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Warm-up properly before exercising
• Exercise and stretch daily

• Try the StretchRite Trainer to Stretch Out Your Calves, Available Through Our Product Store
• The easy to hold handles will help you stretch, even with your baby bump!
• See a podiatrist for treatment
• Don't walk barefoot or wear backless shoes
• Wear shoes with a strong, supportive arch and firm heel
• Cramps in the Legs and Feet
• Walk the Cramp Out
• Rotate ankles 10 times right, then 10 times left

If you experience any painful or drastic changes in your feet during or after pregnancy, be sure to see a podiatrist.  Call our office at 419-423-1888 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.  Most importantly, enjoy your newborn!

*Tips from APMA.org

APMA's FAQs About Pregnancy and Pediatric Foot Health

Whether you are expecting your first child or your third, it is natural to be concerned about the child's health.  This concern becomes especially prevelant in mother's who are expecting.  Pregnancy affects a woman's body in many ways and the feet are no exception.  It is also normal to be worried about your child's devolpment. The first step in easing this worry is education. The American Podiatric Medical Association recognizes the need for mother's and father's to have good information about the health of their children and compiled a list of frequently asked questions and answers about foot health for children and pregnant women.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pregnancy and Pediatric Foot Health*

1. How Does Pregnancy Impact the Feet?
Pregnancy can impact the feet in numerous ways, from over pronation and plantar fasciitis due to increased body weight to an increase in foot size related to hormonal changes and leg cramps because of impeded circulation.

2. Is it normal for my baby's feet to look discolored or wrinkled or for his/her skin to peel when he/she is born? 
Babies spend anywhere from nine to ten month in a shelter protective fluid.  The feet need just as much time to fill out and turn a normal color as the rest of the body Once you give birth, your obscetrician and later your pediatrician will look for obvious abnormalities of your baby's feet and legs.

3. Are there certain things I can do to care for my baby's feet?
Caring for your baby's feed is no different than the care you provide to the rest of his/her body. Trim your child's toenails with baby nail clippers, making sure to cut straight across to avoid ingrown toenails. Also, be sure to thouroghly dry your baby's feet after a bath. Try Smartknit Kid's Seamless Sensitivity Socks - these soft anti-microbial socks don't wrinkle or bunch and are proven to reduce irritation on your tot's tootsies.

4. At What age should my child take his/her first step?
When physically and emotionally ready, your child will walk. Comparisons with other children are misleading, since the age for independent walking ranges from 10 - 18 months.

5. When should I put my baby in his/her first pair of shoes?
When your child first begins to walk, shoes are not necessary indoors. Allowing your youngster to go barefoot or to wear only socks helps the foot to grow normally and to develop musulature and strength, as well as the grasping action of toes. Of course, when walking outside or on rough surfaces, babies' feet should be protected in lightweight, flexible foot wear made of natural materials. Try Pedipeds- designed for infants and toddlers up to two years old, these soft, hand-stitched shoes provide a safe environment for tiny toes while allowing plenty of room for foot growth and muscle development.

6. When shoud I take my child to see a podiatrist?
The APMA recommends having your child examined by an APMA member podiatrist, if there is a family history of foot problems, once he/she begins to walk to make sure his/her feet are progressing normally. Many APMA member podiatrists special pediatrics.

7. When is a child's foot fully developed and why is this important?
Full skeletal maturity takes place in most individuals between the ages of 18-23 years of age. Foot maturity continues while many children are active on their feet. It is important to have your child's feet checked regularly by an APMA member podiatrist.

8. What steps should be taken to make sure a child's feet are not at risk when participating in sports?
When you child participates in sports, make sure he/she wears sport-specific shoes that fit properly. He/she should also warm up and cool down before and after participating in a sport and avoid poor outside playing conditions, such as very wet grass.

*source http://www.apma.org/

Juvenile Arthritis

We tend to think of arthritis as a disease that affects only the older generation.  However, around 294,000 children under the age of eighteen are affected by juvenile arthritis.  Arthritis literally means the inflammation of joints.  The cause of arthritis is unknown.   It is not contagious and there is no evidence food, toxins, or vitamins play a role. 


Arthritis usually affects the hands, knees, and feet and is worse in the morning.  Doctors can prescrible treatment to reduce swelling, maintain joint movement and relieve pain.  They also try to prevent, identity, and treat problems that result from the  arthritis. Most children with arthritis need a blend of treatments - some treatments include drugs and others do not. 

 Flexstat topical pain relieve is available through our online store and can be applied to help relieve the pain of juvenile arthritis.  It is a deep penetration topical pain reliever that provides quick, effective relief from muscle and joint pain due to arthritis. By utilizing a powerful blend of traditional medicines with the purest herbal extracts such as DMSO, MSM, Eucalyptus Oil, Vitamin E and Menthol, Flexstat provides a superior solution for treating foot and ankle pain. This lightly scented formula is proven to relieve pain, dramatically reduce inflammation, and improve joint movement. For best results, apply a generous amount of Flexstat cream to affected area and rub in thoroughly 3 to 4 times daily. Cover the area with an elastic wrap for increased penetration.

Arthritis.org's List of Symptoms

• Pain, swelling, tenderness, and stiffness of joints, causing limited range of motion. 
• Joint contracture which results from holding a painful joint in a flexed position for a long period of time. 
• Damage to joint cartilage and bone leading to joint deformity and impaired use of the joint. 
• Altered growth of bone and joints leading to short stature. 

If you suspect your child may be suffering from juvenile arthritis and notice any of these symptoms in your child's hands or feet, call your doctor.  Another good thing for parents to do upon learning their child has been diagnosed with juvenile arthritis is to join a support group.  It is also important to treat your child as normal as possible. You should also try to learn as much as you can about your child's disease, this blog is a good start.