Usually, many of the foot problems that you experience in the later part of your life do not start overnight. They may be brewing for many years. Therefore, it is necessary to take care of your feet right from the young age.

The expert pediatric podiatrist Orange County generally will advise all patients to take very good care of their children’s feet. As your children grow, you may grant them the necessary tools they need for keeping them free from foot pain.

If your child ever complains of foot pain then you must not brush it aside. You may often tend to think that perhaps your child is just drawing extra attention from you.

However, complaining of foot pain can typically not be the way he or she will try to do it. Usually, childhood foot pain may be caused by certain minor or temporary problems, however, they can also be a certain sign of something more serious issue.

By ignoring it, any minor foot problems can always turn into major ones. It will be best to consult your pediatric foot doctor when your child develops foot pain. You should not make the mistake of turning a small issue into a big one.

The following are a few pediatric podiatry tips that you can do to help your children avoid any foot and ankle pain later in their life.

1. Focus on the right fit

The chances are high that your kids’ feet are still developing, especially if they are young. Even though you are aware that kids will outgrow them in a few months, this does not imply that you should purchase oversized footwear.

Your child’s foot will slip forward in shoes that are too big, which will place excessive stress on the toes.

Conversely, wearing overly tight shoes might also lead to issues. Your youngster might grow calluses, blisters, or ingrown nails, which can be very uncomfortable.

Make an appointment with a podiatrist if you see that your child is displaying symptoms of any of these diseases.

How can you know if the shoe fits well? As a general rule, choose shoes that have about a half-inch gap between the tip of the toe and the tip of the shoe. You know it is time for new shoes when the gap starts to close.

2. Avoid passing down old shoes

Older siblings’ children frequently receive hand-me-downs. After all, if shoes are still in good shape, what damage can they do to pass them down?

When it comes to previously worn shoes, one of the main issues is that after time, they stop cushioning and absorbing shock.

Body aches of many kinds might result from worn-out shoes. For instance, your child may express discomfort in their feet or knees, particularly first thing in the morning.

Make sure the shoes still have adequate arch support and that the soles are not too worn out to prevent kid foot problems brought on by outdated footwear.

3. Look for signs that something is wrong

Keep an eye out for any indications of pain or discomfort in your child, as you always should when it comes to their health. If your youngster keeps taking off his or her shoes, then there is something wrong.

To find out if your child’s feet may have an issue or if a different style of shoe will help, consult a children’s foot doctor.

Here are a few do’s and don’ts that you must remember:

Do’s

1. Visit any nearby podiatrist if your child ever complains of foot pain. Also, teach your child about wearing braces, custom orthotics, or any special shoes if it is prescribed.
2. Provide them with eight sports-specific shoes. Athletic shoes come in several varieties for a good reason.
3. Keep their feet dry and clean.

Don’ts

1. Avoid keeping your baby’s feet cooped up within shoes. Your child must spend plenty of time barefoot.
2. Never force your toddler to walk longer.
3. Never overlook the possibility that your kid may have a foot/ankle problem and is not telling you. You should be alerted if you notice that your young child is not so active and avoid running or walking.

Be always proactive about the foot health of your child and teach them also to do the same. When you do need any medical care for their foot or ankle then don’t delay it.