Chidren In-Toeing & Out-Toeing Gait

Children’s feet differ from those of adults, as they are not yet fully formed. At six months of age the foot is still mostly cartilage; in fact, the last bone doesn’t begin to form until children are about three years old. By 18 years, most of the bones are fully formed.

Babies
Baby feet only need protection in the cooler weather. Grow suits with feet, socks or small, soft natural fibre shoes should be used to keep little feet warm and should always be loose around your baby’s feet.

Making time for your baby to kick freely will help with the development of the muscles in the legs and feet.

Walking

Children usually begin to walk at any time between 10 and 20 months of age. It is important to remember that each child is unique and will move through the developmental stages at their own pace. Children also roll, crawl, walk and run in their own time; there is no evidence to support the view that the use of Jolly Jumpers or baby walkers will help this to happen early. These types of equipment may put additional pressure on feet that are not yet ready for taking weight.

When your child first begins to walk, shoes should only be used when protection is needed from the ground. Allowing children to go barefoot or to wear very soft shoes helps the foot to typically develop and assists in strengthening muscles.

Growing feet

A child’s foot grows in length and changes in shape with growth. Arch development is an individual thing and arch height or a lack of an arch does not always indicate that a child will have problems with their feet. If your child has pain or has one flat foot that differs from the other foot, a podiatrist can assist.

Due to rapid growth in length and width while young, frequent changes in the size of shoes and socks may be necessary. Do a size check at least every one to three months up to the age of three, every four months up to the age of five and every six months from five years.

Heel pain

Heel pain may also occur in growing children, usually between the ages of 8-14, and may be worse during or straight after sporting activities.

If your child is experiencing pain at the back of the heel that has limited their activity or causes them to limp, a podiatrist can help. Your podiatrist will be able to determine whether or not the heel pain is related to the developmental process and give advice about ways to alleviate symptoms.

Common Foot Problems we treat in Children:

• Flat feet: This is a common condition where the arch of the foot doesn’t develop fully.
• In-toeing: This is when the child’s feet turn inward.
• Out-toeing: This is when the child’s feet turn outward.
• Gait abnormalities: Unusual walking patterns can indicate underlying foot problems.
• Sports injuries: Children participating in sports may experience injuries to their feet and ankles.