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Your Baby's Feet
Both the size and shape of your child's feet change quickly during the first year of life. Because a baby's feet are flexible, too much pressure or strain can affect the shape of the foot. To help insure normal growth, allow your baby to kick and stretch his or her feet. Also, make sure shoes and socks do not squeeze the toes. |
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Your Toddler's Feet
Your toddler will walk when he or she is ready. Try not to force the issue. Instead, watch your child's gait once he or she does begin to walk. Does the toe touch down instead of the heel? Does your child always sit while others play actively? If so talk with the doctor. If your toddler's feet are fat, flat, and floppy, don't worry. This is usually normal. Also, many toddlers toe-in, but most outgrow the problem. |
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Your Child's Active Feet
The foot's bone structure is well-formed by the time your child reaches age 7 or 8, but if a growth plate (the area where bone growth begins) is injured, the damaged plate may cause the bone to grow oddly. With a doctor's care, however, the risk of future bone problems is reduced.If an injury is mild, your child probably will not remember it for very long. If your child keeps complaining of pain, have the injury checked by a doctor. Also, call your physician anytime an injury causes serious swelling, localized tenderness, limping, or ongoing night pain. If a bone or growth plate is damaged, your child may need to use crutches to take weight off the injury as it heals. In the case of a fracture, a cast, splint, or brace may be needed to hold the bone in place during healing. |
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 Orthotic Therapy
Your Child's Foot Care is Important
Having strong, healthy feet allows your child to walk, run, and play. If your child's feet form correctly, certain types of back and leg pain can be avoided later in life. An examination of the lower extremity insures that your child is growing correctly. Your doctor can also make sure that your child is walking correctly. This helps prevent some future foot problems, and if a problem does arise, it can be handled early, when it is easier to treat. |
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When Foot Care is Needed
During a foot examination, the doctor will watch your toddler walk. If a gait problem exists, the doctor works to identify its cause.To help with flatfeet, special shoes or orthotic devices (custom-made shoe inserts) may be prescribed. To correct mild toeing-in, your toddler may need to sit in a different position while playing or watching TV. If you child's feet turn in or out a lot, corrective shoes, splints, or night braces may be prescribed. Wearing these devices can help the foot as it grows. |
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For Fit Feet
Pay attention to your child's feet and the shoes you put them in. Remember to check your child's shoe size often. Make sure there is space between the toes and the end of the shoe. Wearing shoes that are too small cramps the foot. This may affect foot function. Don't let your child wear hand-me-down shoes. Because most shoes mold to the foot, wearing hand-me-downs can affect the shape of your child's feet.
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