Selecting the right shoes for your baby’s first steps is important for healthy foot development. For a typical foot, the best choice is a lightweight shoe with a wide toe box, flexible structure, and a minimalist sole to encourage natural movement. For a foot with low muscle tone, shoes should still be lightweight with a wide toe box, but include a firm heel cup, a higher toe box for extra space, and a high top design to provide added support and stability. A podiatrist can guide parents in choosing the right footwear to support proper growth, prevent future issues, and address any concerns about development. If you notice your child has foot pain, it is suggested that you contact this type of doctor who can accurately diagnose the condition, offer effective treatment solutions, and guide you toward choosing the correct shoes.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Afshin Javaherian, DPM of Dr. Java Foot & Ankle Clinic. 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 office located in Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
