The coronavirus brought times to the world where children were homeschooled, and time was limited for physical activities because of threatening germs. The type of shoes children wore were often overlooked as shoe stores were closed and new shoes were rarely purchased. As current times are upon us and children have returned to school, the first step in choosing the correct shoes for your child generally starts with getting the right shoe size. This is done by properly measuring the foot using a Brannock device, which is found in most shoe stores. The type of shoe that is desired is often considered, in addition to the material that it is made from, if they are lightweight, and have protection and flexibility. And lastly, the shoes need to fit comfortably from the moment they are tried on and should not need a break in period. Children that live in various climates and environments typically will wear different types of shoes and how long the shoes are worn is often considered. If you have questions about what type of shoes your children should wear, please schedule an appointment 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 Bruce Smit, DPM of Frankfort 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 Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.