Why children’s shoes should be fitted by an expert
Children’s feet grow quickly and need to be frequently reassessed to ensure that their shoes are correctly fitted. Poorly fitted shoes can have short term and long term side effects on your child’s foot health and function.
When buying your child’s shoes, you need to consider the shoes construction, materials, outsole, closure, the function of the shoe, any supportive elements and the fit. It is also important to ensure that your child does not suffer from any biomechanical issues. That’s why a visit to you Podiatrist can help to determine what shoe type is best for your child’s feet.
What issues can result from ill-fitted shoes?
The following issues can arise if shoes are ill-fitted.
- Reddened skin, blisters and cuts
- Ingrown toenails
- Hammertoes, calluses, corns and bunions
- Cause child to trip or fall
- Development of joint pain in hips, knees, ankles and feet later in life
- Nerve damage including symptoms such as numbness, tingling and unusual pain
- Abnormally shaped toes
- Stiffness of the foot
- Limping
- Child complains of pain while walking or favours one leg when walking
- A sudden change in the way your child walks.
If your child suffers from any of these symptoms, it is important to seek advice from your Podiatrist.
What to Look for in a Shoe?
In addition to visiting your Podiatrist for advice on children’s shoes and to rule out any biomechanical issues, it is important as a parent to know what to look for in a shoe. To ensure that your child’s shoes are correctly fitted follow the below checklist.
- Comfortable fit in width
- Room for the toes
- A flexible, flat sole that bend at the toe
- A solid heel that provides support, yet has padding
- Laces, straps or fasteners that offer adjustment
- Fitted for both feet as most people have one foot larger than the other
- Shoe shop during the day as feet will swell.
Children’s feet grow quickly and may need replacing every few months, so it is important for your child to have their shoes correctly fitted prior to investing in new shoes.
Note: Your Podiatrist will inform you if your child suffers from any gait or biomechanical issues that may impact your shoe selection or require extra attention such as orthotics or inserts.
Moreland Podiatry – Children’s Shoes & Feet
Correct fitting of your child’s shoes is imperative to ensuring that they do not develop any long term or short term issues. If you are unsure about your child’s footwear or have any concerns regarding their movement, speak to the friendly staff at Moreland Podiatry on (03) 9383 6633 or make an online booking today.
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