For podiatrists, podogeriatrics – care of the feet of the elderly – is a daily cause for concern, for a variety of reasons. I know that it is a part of our professional work that is often not looked at with much enthusiasm. There are more "old" people around because we are living longer. The foot care required by the older person is usually considered 'routine.' There are often financial considerations, due to lack of funds.
Today I managed to survive my day in the practice, but I am amazed at the number of times that I had to twist and turn my back just to perform my daily tasks. But it was good to remember to turn my whole body, use the full support of my chair plus the variety of positions available in the patients' treatment couch. I am definitely going to look after my back from now on.
At the recent meeting of the Northern Branch of the South African Podiatry Association (SAPA), local podiatrists learned more about this interesting and controversial footwear. Because Crocs have been around a while, the consensus amongst SAPA members was "try them before you dismiss them". (Remember the negative UK podiatry opinion in my Post of 16th September).
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..
