Image CreditAs parents, there’s nothing unusual about focusing on your children’s physical and oral health. However, one area that often goes unnoticed is the feet and why they must be cared for. Research has shown that many problems with the feet begin in childhood, and several factors are accountable. Data shows that 70% - 80% of the adult population has one issue or the other with a foot. So, to reduce your children’s risks of future inconveniences, here are some ways to care for their feet.
Keep their feet clean and dry
Hygiene is a fundamental aspect of foot care at all ages, and children are no exception. High activity levels make kids more likely to have sweaty feet. Long hours of play and running around in moist shoes make them prone to fungal infections. That’s why you must pay particular attention to your child’s feet, especially during bath time. Make it a point to wash their feet with mild soap and lukewarm water, after which, ensure to dry between the toes because moisture usually gets trapped in there. It is essential to invest in footwear with moisture-wicking properties. These are designed to keep your children’s feet dry and always comfortable. You may want to take another look at your kids’ socks to ensure they are the right ones. Socks from natural fibres encourage proper air circulation to keep the feet dry. The good hygiene practices you put into motion now increase the chances of your kids adopting them when they are older.Invest in proper footwear for them
The kids’ footwear market is expected to grow at a steady rate of 4.7% for the next two years. However, in the quest to find shoes for these young ones, it’s important to choose right. Never prioritise style over fit and comfort because doing so increases the risk of foot issues for your little one. According to Science, children have a lot of cartilage converting into bones, most concentrated in the feet. Therefore, ill-fitting shoes may distort the shape of healthy feet and lead to long-term discomfort. You should be guided by proper arch support, ample room, and flexible soles when buying shoes for children. Your focus must be anything that allows your child’s feet to move naturally in those shoes. Tight or loose shoes do not comfort your little one’s feet. It’s easy to assume your little one will grow into loose shoes, so that should be fine. Unfortunately, that’s not always the best choice. Also, there is a difference between snug and tight shoes; the latter must be avoided. If possible, rely on quality brands like Bobux that focus on your child’s comfort and healthy foot development.Regular foot inspections
The best way to detect changes in your child’s feet is to inspect them often. It would be best to look for calluses, unusual growths, inflammation, or skin discolouration around the toenails. Children may not notice these signs without pain, so visual checks are vital. Sometimes, it helps to inspect their shoes for signs of uneven wear. That usually indicates a problem in your little one’s gait and its roll-on effect on which side of their shoes endures the most pressure. Fortunately, timely intervention can resolve the problem or treat whatever infection you notice. A pediatric podiatrist is the right specialist to prevent your child’s foot problem from escalating into a complicated health issue.K Elizabeth xoxox
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