In the first 5 years of a child’s life, their feet grow very fast. Because it is also important that the bones in the feet grow straight, proper footwear is very important. As a baby, the bones in the toes are very soft, and shoes or socks that are too tight can prevent those bones from growing properly. In fact, children generally don’t need shoes until they begin walking on their own. Shoes that fasten with velcro are also important because they can help hold the heel in place and keep the foot from slipping. If you have other questions or concerns about what shoes your child should be wearing, a podiatrist will be able to help make further recommendations.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Charles Marchese of Manalapan Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Manalapan, NJ, and Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.