The human foot is a complex structure of 26 bones which begin as soft cartilage and are fully mature by the age of 18. This means a baby’s foot is very pliable and abnormal pressures can easily cause the foot to deform. Children’s feet also grow quite rapidly during the first year, reaching almost half their adult foot size. So this time is very important in the development of your child’s feet and regular checkups are advised to eliminate any issues early on.
Many adult foot problems can have their origins in childhood, so attention to footwear in children is important. Poorly fitting, too loose or too tight shoes can restrict Children’s feet, causing them to grow abnormally or causing unnatural movement patterns. A small problem as a child can cause larger issues as an adult, causing a high level of pain and discomfort. Luckily these types of issues are often prevented and treated with appropriate footwear.
Children’s feet have just the same problems with skin and nails as adults, such as ingrown toenails and athlete’s foot. Whilst these may sometimes require treatment from a podiatrist, often these are helped by a change in hygiene or shoes.Children are however more susceptible to warts than adults. Plantar warts are quite common and appear on the sole of the foot. These tend to be hard and flat, with a rough surface and well-defined boundaries. If left untreated, they can grow into clusters and cause quite a lot of pain. There are various treatments available and your podiatrist will discuss which is the most appropriate.
