Good foot care is not beneficial only for adults, but also for children. You can put your child on the path to a lifetime of healthy feet by following a few simple tips. If you have a young child, let them walk around barefoot where it is safe to do so. Young, growing feet build strength and flexibility as they walk barefoot. Wash and dry your child’s feet daily to promote good foot hygiene and prevent skin and nail problems. Trim your child’s toenails regularly, cutting them straight across and not too short to reduce the risk of ingrown toenails. Finally, choose the right shoes and socks for your child. They should fit the child’s feet well, be supportive and comfortable, and be made of breathable materials. If your child complains of any foot pain, or if you notice any worrisome changes to their feet, please consult with a podiatrist. 

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Anna Petrov of Family Foot & Ankle Care. 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 one of our offices located in Wheeling and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.