As the weather gets cooler, the little ones will start making the transition back to closed-toe shows.
Dr. Kevin Thomas, a foot and ankle surgeon at Thomas Podiatry and Associates, tells us why he sees many foot problems this time of year.
“It simply comes down to change in environment and change in activity,” Dr. Thomas says.
Dr. Thomas says common problems he sees this time of year is blisters, in-grown nails and warts because children are now wearing closed-toe shows 6-8 hours a day after wearing no shoes or flip flops all summer.
Athletes foot is another common issue in children as they start playing sports and participating in gym class. Dr. Thomas says proper hygiene, changing socks and shoes frequently, and anti-fungal cream can help.
Flatfeet is a progressive deformity that if treated early can benefit the child throughout their entire life. This time of year is the perfect time to check your child’s feet and if you’re concerned about their low arches or pain while walking, Dr. Thomas encourages you to take your child to see a local podiatrist. Many problems can be alleviated and even prevented with prompt management and treatment.
Dr. Thomas says that growing pains are a real thing. Children’s feet are developing at a rate greater than their body can keep up. Many parents and pediatricians think the child will simply grow out of it. While it is true some children will get better over time, many are ailing from a lower extremity misalignment that needs to be addressed.
Dr. Thomas gives us advice on buying properly-fitting shoes. He says there should be a child’s thumb width between the end of the shoe and the end of the longest toe. Also, the widest part of the foot should correspond with the widest part of the shoe. Dr. Thomas says to check the shoe for slipping at the heel as well.
Lastly, Dr. Thomas encourages people to spend a little more money for a good quality pair of shoes. He says to look for soles made of rubber and double-stitching around the toe area which will give the shoe a longer life.
