Parents can have differing opinions when it comes to their children walking barefoot. Their reasons can range from the child preventing a foot injury when the shoes are kept on to children possibly having a heightened sense of their environment while walking barefoot outdoors. Recent studies have shown that waking barefoot may benefit the brain and nervous system and this may result from the child being more conscious of their surroundings. An additional benefit can be improved balance due to the feet getting accustomed to walking on various surfaces. Frequently wearing shoes may inhibit the natural toe spread and may gradually lead to sustaining a foot injury. Falling episodes may be reduced when the lower legs and feet are strengthened by walking barefoot. If you have questions about your child’s foot development, please confer with a podiatrist who can confirm if walking barefoot is good for their overall development.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact the foot specialists of Marvel Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
- Make sure their shoes fit properly
- Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
- Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
- Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
- Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
- Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
- Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
- Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Gilbert and Chandler, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
