The feet of a newborn child are usually perfectly formed and lovely to look at. Unfortunately many parents easily forget that those feet need nurturing and protecting as they grow to maturity.
It's going to take up to 18 years for that child's foot to fully develop. Nevertheless, the newborn foot resembles the adult foot in every respect; it has normal contours and arches and fat padding, but when the foot bears weight it will look abnormally flat – this is one reason why all babies should be allowed to develop at their own pace and parents must resist the desire to get them up on their feet before they are ready.
A newborn foot is usually triangular in shape, broadest at the toes with a narrow heel. The shape and position is also very important, giving clues to any underlying neuromuscular or skeletal pathology. Podiatrists involved in managing children's feet look for altered shape, restricted movements, stiffness and deviations in different parts of the feet.
For the first 6 months of life the feet are mostly cartilage, so they can be easily deformed by an ill-fitting sock or 'babygro' or sleepsuit. The feet and lower limbs of a baby are meant to move, stretch, kick and wriggle as part of normal growth. Freedom of movement is the keyword at this time, which means that any tight fitting devices, pram and cot blankets must be avoided.
Obviously, throughout the entire process of development and growth, correctly fitted footwear is essential for the child, as is the diagnosis and management of any disorder or anomaly, so if you are concerned about your child's foot health, have their feet checked by a podiatrist.
You can read more about children's feet here..
Some do, some don't.
"They should not be worn by people with diabetes" says a colleague in Cape Town.
On the other hand, a British podiatrist, writing in Podiatry Now, thinks they have great therapeutic potential and presents a case history as evidence. He suggests that they be researched by the podiatry profession.
A diabetes foot screening takes approximately a ½ hour and when it is finished the podiatrist will be able to identify the level of risk for diabetic foot complications. In addition, if referral to another member of the diabetes care team is required it will be done. Because foot problems are one of the main complications of diabetes, the podiatrist is able to manage non-ulcerative problems and foot ulcers.
Andrew will be posting his observations on the world of podiatry as well as hints and tips in his specialist areas of diabetes, arthritis and children's foot problems.
You can read about Andrew's qualifications and background on the page 'About Andrew Clarke' and locate his clinical practice in the 'Practice' page.
