Feet play an essential role in children’s motor development and posture.
Yet, parents often pay little attention to their health, seeing certain abnormalities as merely transitory stages of growth.
Unfortunately, neglecting these signs can lead to complications later in life, such as chronic pain or posture problems.
This article explores the importance of early detection and correction of foot abnormalities in children.
You will learn about the stages of foot development, the most common problems, and solutions to ensure healthy and pain-free growth for your little explorers. 👇
Foot development in children
Key Stages in Foot Development
Children’s feet evolve rapidly during their early years.
At birth, the feet are composed mainly of cartilage, which gradually turns into bone.
The first steps, usually between 9 and 18 months, are a crucial step, as they mark the beginning of stabilizing the gait.
Normal variations in young children
- Physiological Flat Feet : Until the age of 5-6 years, the arch of the foot of children is not fully formed. This is normal and does not require immediate concern.
- Tiptoe walking : Common up to 2 years old, it can be simply related to the exploration of motor skills.
When to worry?
Some signs may indicate a problem that requires an assessment:
- An unstable or asymmetrical gait after 2 years.
- Frequent pain in the feet, legs or back.
- Abnormal wear and tear on the shoes.
- Feet that still feel flat or stiff after 5-6 years.
Increased vigilance and regular podiatric check-ups allow early intervention, offering the child the best chance of healthy and balanced growth.
Common foot abnormalities in children
✔️ Flat feet
Flat feet are a condition where the arch of the foot is absent or not very pronounced.
In young children, this may be normal, but if the feet remain flat after 5-6 years, it can lead to pain or postural disorders.
They may also experience increased fatigue when walking or exercising.
✔️ Cavus (high-arched) feet
Less common than flat feet, cavus feet are characterized by an abnormally high arch of the foot.
This condition can cause instability, pain, or premature wear and tear of the shoes.
If detected early, treatment can prevent complications, such as frequent sprains.
✔️ Twisting of the legs or feet
Some abnormalities, such as tibia varum (bow legs) or metatarsus adductus (inward-pointing bones in the front of the foot), are common in infants and young children.
If they persist after 3-4 years, they can affect the gait and require intervention.
✔️ Posture problems related to the feet
Foot abnormalities can lead to postural misalignments affecting the knees, hips, and spine.
These imbalances increase the risk of long-term musculoskeletal pain.
Why is it crucial to screen early?
Foot growth and plasticity
In children, bones, muscles and joints are still being formed.
This makes the feet particularly malleable, providing an ideal window to rectify abnormalities.
Early intervention can often prevent long-term problems.
The consequences of uncorrected anomalies
Ignoring podiatric disorders can lead to:
- chronic pain in the feet, legs or back.
- difficulties in physical activities, limiting motor skills and self-confidence.
- a progression of abnormalities, making treatments more complex and expensive in adulthood.
Regular podiatric check-ups
Early detection by a podiatrist helps detect problems before they become serious.
These assessments make it possible to develop an adapted treatment plan that may include changing certain habits, specific exercises, the use of orthotics or postural adjustments.
This allows for harmonious growth and an optimal quality of life for your child.
Available solutions and treatments
✔️ Custom Foot Orthotics
Foot orthotics are custom-designed insoles to correct foot abnormalities.
They provide optimal support by rebalancing the forces applied to the feet and distributing the weight of the body.
In children, these devices are particularly effective because of the flexibility of their bones and tissues.
Orthotics can help treat:
- persistent flat feet.
- Aches and pains due to an excessive arch of the foot.
- postural imbalances affecting the legs and back.
✔️ Training
Simple exercises, such as tiptoeing, picking up objects with your toes, or stretching your calf muscles, can strengthen the muscles of the foot and improve posture.
Your podiatrist can recommend a program adapted to each child.
✔️ Suitable shoes
Shoes play a key role in the health of the feet.
For children, prefer:
- A flexible sole, but offering good support.
- A toe (where the toes are) wide enough to allow the natural movement of the feet.
- A firm heel to maintain stability.
✔️ Podiatric follow-up
Regular follow-up with a podiatrist ensures that treatments are adjusted as the child grows.
The needs of the feet are changing rapidly, making these visits essential for healthy and harmonious growth.
The role of parents in prevention and follow-up
Observation in everyday life
Parents play a key role in the early detection of abnormalities.
Here are some tips:
- Watch your child’s gait: does he stumble often?
- Inspect their shoes: do they wear asymmetrically?
- Ask them if they feel any pain or discomfort after physical activity.
Encouraging healthy habits
Allow your child to walk barefoot on safe surfaces, such as grass or sand.
This strengthens the muscles of the feet and promotes a natural posture.
Incorporate balance and coordination exercises into their daily activities.
Act quickly when in doubt
Consulting a podiatrist as soon as abnormalities are suspected is essential to avoid complications.
Early detection allows for simple and effective corrective action.
Create a skincare routine
Teach your child to take care of their feet from an early age, such as washing and drying their feet properly or trimming their nails properly.
These habits lay the foundation for long-term foot health.
Take care of your children’s feet for a healthy future
Taking care of your children’s feet means offering them a future without pain and a solid foundation for their motor development.
Foot abnormalities detected and corrected early can prevent complications and support their harmonious growth.
Your role as a parent is to stay vigilant and act quickly when in doubt.
To guarantee the best follow-up for your children, make an appointment today at MĂ©decine podiatrique du Plateau.
Our professionals are there to assess, diagnose and propose appropriate solutions, so that your children can walk into the future with complete peace of mind.
