Your kids are active, and that's a good thing. Whether they're running around the neighbourhood or going to after-school activities, they need footwear that supports their active lifestyles.
Protect kids' feet with the right pair of sports shoes. Foot injuries are common when kids are playing sports, but the right pair of athletic shoes can help minimize the chance of getting hurt. You can find running and basketball shoes in children's sizes. It's important to have your child try on running and sport shoes in person, as they will come in different widths and shapes to fit a variety of foot types.
How to avoid injury in the first place
Injuries are as common in childhood as they are unfortunate. Yet, unlike other injuries, foot injuries in children can easily go undetected, as they're difficult to spot during sports and play. But with a regular foot injury examination, you can detect issues before they worsen — safeguarding yourchild's health before it's too late.
Here are several tips to help your children enjoy their pain-free feet and ankles:
- Sport physicals are a critical part of the athletic development of any young athlete. Sport physicals are pre-season assessments that ensure young athletes are physically and mentally prepared for the rigours of sports practice, training camp, and competition. Many doctors recommend that children under five years old receive a primary care physician's opinion beforeparticipating in organized or team sports. This is to ensure that your child's unique medical history is properly recorded and understood.
- Your child's shoes should be as durable and comfortable as their daily activities — which is why you should make sure that the shoes you purchase for them are designed for their active lifestyle. Athletic shoes for children are designed with a wider toe box to allow growing feet to move freely and comfortably. They're built with flexible outsoles to help feet develop properly and prevent injuries, such as achilles tendonitis.
- If you are looking to buy shoes for your child, bear in mind that children grow quickly, and their shoe size can fluctuate dramatically from month to month. The result is that children may regularly have to purchase new footwear as they begin to outgrow the shoes they're currently wearing.
- Pay attention to your child's shoes — when they wear out, check them for soles wear patterns. This is an indication of structural abnormalities or gait problems. If you see excessive wear concentrated along the inside or outside edge of the shoe, it may be due to structural issues or a gait abnormality.
- Encourage your children to play a variety of sports. The repetitivenature of running and jumping can put pressure on the feet and ankles, but swimming and biking are great alternatives that aren't difficult on the body.
- Teach your children good hygiene to keep their feet healthy and safe — after exercise, sports, or any time their feet get damp, run warm water over their feet, wash them thoroughly with soap, dry them thoroughly, and change socks at least once a day. This will also help to prevent any fungal infections.
At Footfix, we're committed to delivering comprehensive foot care for active children in Birmingham. Our group of experienced foot and ankle specialists has extensive experience working with children, from competitive athletes to kids who are just beginning to explore the world outside their homes.
If you or your child is suffering from any form of foot pain, or you simply want a check up from a professional, don't hesitate to book an appointment with us here at Footfix. We will be happy to help!
*This blog contains general information about medical conditions and is not advice. You must not rely upon the information in this blog as medical advice. Medical advice should always be sought from an appropriately qualified podiatrist such as ourselves.
