Children’s feet suffer from many of the same foot conditions that adults do, but they may vary in frequency due to their active lifestyles and rapid body growth.

At Joseph Stuto, DPM we know that a child may not be as communicative or receptive about their foot pain. No matter how cautious parents are, they at times could miss the underlying problem. That is why we’d love to help parents find ways to ensure that their child keeps optimal foot health.

Caring for your child’s feet

It is important that you keep your child’s feet in good condition. Good foot care during their growing years can help prevent many foot problems.

1. Allow their feet to be free and active, not restricting them by tight leggings or beddings. Make sure foot coverings are loose enough to allow good blood circulation.
2. Keep your child’s feet clean by washing them regularly with soap and water. Dry them properly so that the skin doesn’t get soggy.
3. It is paramount that your child starts to wear shoes that are a proper fit right from the very beginning. Make sure the shoes are lightweight, flexible, and well-cushioned. Poorly-fitting shoes can lead to painful foot deformities. Since children’s feet grow at a very fast pace, their shoe size needs to be checked every month or so.
4. Help your child maintain a healthy weight. This releases extra pressure and stresses away from your child’s feet. Hence, proper weight management can ward off many serious foot and ankle problems.

If your child often complains of foot pain or struggles to walk with a flat foot, it’s time to talk to an experienced podiatrist who can help assess your child’s overall foot health.

If you are noticing any changes in the development of your child’s feet and legs, it’s important to bring it to the attention of our professionals at Joseph Stuto, DPM. Our board-certified podiatrist Dr. Joseph Stuto can assure that your child gets the highest-quality foot and ankle care and treatment necessary for optimal foot health. For more information on your child’s growing feet, call (718)624-7537 or browse through our extensive patient library online.