Do your child's feet turn outward when they walk? Do they walk or run awkwardly, or tend to trip or fall? Have you noticed that the soles of their shoes wear unevenly? If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, they may be out-toeing. Some believe that out-toeing may be caused in utero, as the baby’s confined space in the womb sometimes causes their bones to twist. This may occur in the shin bones or thigh bones, or in rare cases, the hip bones. These bones usually return to a normal position on their own during the child’s first few years of life. However, this process may take longer for certain children, or may even require medical intervention if the condition worsens, causes limping or pain in the leg or hip, or if one foot turns out more than the other. If you believe your child is out-toeing, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can help monitor the child’s progress, or even treat it to help correct the condition.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact James Torhorst, DPM of Torhorst Foot and Ankle. Our doctor 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 Waupaca and Stevens Point, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
