Birth
Around 10cm long at birth, feet will double in size by the time your child is 1 year old, at 6 months the foot is still mostly cartilage by 18 years most of the bones are fully formed.
Baby
By 6 months your baby will be aware of and begin to play with both feet.
Walking
Around 12 months most children begin standing and walking, your toddler will probably walk the equivalent of 4 times around the world in a lifetime!
Play
By the age of 3 children are learning to jump, hop, kick a ball, running a more complex task is also being mastered. Shoes should offer enough depth, length and width to accommodate the foot.
School
By the age of 6 both children’s feet and their walking pattern will resemble that of an adult.
Some feet have special needs
Children’s feet are still forming and are quite fragile, they can be damaged easily by shoes and socks that are too small. Early examination of children’s feet is a preventative measure. Walking, running and jumping places greater physical demands on the body than normal daily activities.
Whilst running, your feet can absorb 3 times your body weight, it’s no wonder injuries to the lower limb and foot account for a large proportion of sporting injuries.
Podiatrists understand the structure and movement of the foot and ankle and there effects on the lower limbs, hip and spine.
Children’s feet have a unique developmental pattern of their own. A regular check-up with a Podiatrist is recommended from when your child starts to walk on an annual basis, more so if your child regularly participates in sport and
If you notice:
- uneven shoe wear
- hard skin / corns
- complaints of recurrent pain in legs, feet or even low back
- constant tripping or falling
- enlarged joints in foot, bunions
After careful examination and observing your child walking it may be suggested that your child will benefit from prescription Orthotics made from a plaster foot cast.
It is essential that your child receives a full gait and posture assessment which will also include an examination of the lower back, hips and knees, and if required we will advise a complimentary co-managed assessment with a Chiropractor and/or Physiotherapist specialising in Paediatrics who will co-examine and advise regards any postural problems that may be evident.
If treatment is undertaken your child is seen on a regular basis until they have reached full skeletal maturity.
Some common conditions affecting children’s feet that can be helped with Orthotics:
- Sever’s disease
- Osgood – Schlatters disease
- Flat feet
- In toe/Out toe walking
Children’s Postural & Lower Limb Screening Programme
We are pleased to offer your child this screening service, it aims to highlight any potential or pre-existing paediatric biomechanical problem.
The lower limb screening will include assessing your child’s feet and legs, the postural screening to assess your child’s back and posture.
For those parents who wish for their children to take part, a screening service can be arranged by appointment, this is especially important for those children either participating or even considering taking part in sporting activities.