FEET: WHAT IS NORMAL FOR CHILDREN?

The joints of a baby's feet and ankles are extremely flexible. During the first few years of life, the feet may often look abnormal. Minor problems such as flat feet, limping, or toeing-in often need no treatment because the baby will usually grow out of them in time.

In the first year or two, baby fat and flexible foot bones and joints tend to make a child's feet and arches look flat when standing. Children usually grow out of this by age six. Arches will form and become quite evident, especially when standing on the toes. If the arches do not form by then, the child may have flat feet that are either flexible or fixed.

Flexible flat feet turn outward and are very strong. Extremely flat feet may need an arch support to alleviate foot strain. Fixed flat feet may have congenital bone defects. Special footwear or surgery may be needed.

Limping may occur when a child first learns to walk. A limp may be caused simply by something in the shoe or a sprained muscle. Limping may also be a sign of a more serious problem. Prolonged limping needs medical evaluation. Extra toes and webbing of the toes are primarily cosmetic problems. Usually they function normally, but it may be hard to fit an extra toe in a shoe.

In-toeing (pigeon-toed) is when the feet turn inward. This common condition is usually mild and resolves by the end of the first year. Do not use non-prescribed treatments such as corrective shoes, twister cables, daytime braces, exercises, shoe inserts, or back manipulations. They do not correct the problem and may be harmful because they interfere with normal play or walking. They may also cause additional deformity.

In-toeing may occur with another foot deformity called clubfoot. With a clubfoot, the forefoot is twisted out of shape and the heel is turned inward. Early treatment is needed and includes manipulation and possible casting.

Shoes provide for protection from injury, cold, or burns. Shoes may interfere with toddlers' learning to walk. They prefer to walk barefoot and use their toes for balance. Let them be shoeless indoors or on grass or sand. Use booties or socks during winter. When buying shoes for your children, buy properly fitting and flexible shoes with plenty of room so that the toes are not crowded or pinched.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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