Children’s Feet Need Special Care Too
Have you ever noticed that children rarely complain about
their feet? They may complain about pain in their shins, as their bones stretch
while they grow. But, rarely do we hear them complaining about their feet. This
is because children’s feet are highly flexible. This makes them not too
sensitive and so they do not feel pain in the areas of pressure or friction as
adults do.
This fact makes it all the more important to look after
children’s feet as much as it is important and recommended for adults. Good
maintenance of a child’s feet will translate into good health, as well
as better and safer mobility throughout their life. Here is some practical
advice and information on care for the complex network of 26 bones, 19 muscles
and numerous tendons, and the problems that lurk under them.
Complex Structure,
Complete Care
The feet cannot be considered as an isolated
part of your body. Each bone is connected and this connection is spread across
all parts of the body. In children, especially newborns, the feet comprise of relatively
soft and flexible cartilage. This cartilage slowly converts into bone. The
period when this development takes place is extremely important as there is the
constant risk from injury and deformity. Ill-fitting footwear should be avoided
and a visit to the podiatrist is recommended.
Right Measurement
Children’s feet should be measured for length
and width. Ensure you have bought the socks and the shoes of the right size.
Checking the shoes thoroughly, inside and out, is a good habit to develop. This
will alert you of any unusual wear and tear. These normally occur on the back portion of the heel or between the back and the outside
of the shoe. There could also be a bulge on the upper heel area which may not
be visible to the eye.
Different Shoes Each
Day
Try not to make your child wear the same shoes every day.
Alternate between shoes, so that they dry out completely, both inside and on
the outside. A pair of well-fitted lacing trainers could be the best shoe for
your child’s feet. Washing the feet well, drying between the toes, and dusting
talcum powder is highly recommended.
Seek Professional Help Early
Children usually have sweaty feet. However, if their feet are
smelly, there is something wrong. It could indicate poor hygiene, which is the
root cause of most foot problems. Keeping the nails clipped is a good habit.
Remember not to cut down the side of nails or make them too short. Regular
inspection and trimming is essential for foot care. It is best to cut on the
line of the nail at the tip of the toe. Let the corner of the nails clear the
fleshy part of the toe.
Comments
Post a Comment