{"id":1732,"date":"2024-04-24T06:00:16","date_gmt":"2024-04-24T13:00:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kpthrivingfamilies.org\/pediatricsblog\/?p=1732"},"modified":"2024-11-22T12:55:42","modified_gmt":"2024-11-22T20:55:42","slug":"kidss-feet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kpthrivingfamilies.org\/pediatricsblog\/kidss-feet\/","title":{"rendered":"All About Kids\u2019 Feet: Flat Feet, Toe Walking, Warts, and More"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cLeft foot. Right foot.
\nFeet. Feet. Feet.
\nOh, how many
\nFeet you meet.\u201d
\n~Dr. Seuss<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Flat feet, intoed feet, feet with funny toenails, feet with warts! Parents often worry about feet. But most of these things are actually nothing to be concerned about and never cause kids any problems. Let\u2019s take a look at some of these.<\/p>\n

Flat feet<\/h3>\n

Kids\u2019 feet often look flat. Babies look that way because they have a fat pad that fills in the arch \u2013 making it\u00a0look flat. In toddlers and school-aged kids, the flat appearance is caused by looser connective tissue. Their bones and joints are looser than ours, so when they stand up, the foot sinks and looks flat. When kids stand on their toes or point their feet you can see they actually have a great arch!<\/p>\n

Over time as their joints tighten up, the flat appearance will go away. Children usually develop the appearance of an arch by age 5. Bottom line? Flat-looking feet are usually nothing to worry about. Talk to a doctor if your child complains of foot pain or stiffness. We may suggest you try arch supports as a first treatment.<\/p>\n

Intoed feet<\/h3>\n

Babies often have feet that look turned in. This appearance is usually normal \u2013 they were curled up in a ball inside their mother, and it takes months for their body to \u201cstraighten out.\u201d<\/p>\n

This form of intoeing at the front part of the foot is called metatarsus adductus and disappears by age one. Gentle stretching can help reduce the intoeing.<\/p>\n

Sometimes intoeing is caused by a slight rotation at your baby\u2019s hip or lower leg \u2013 both of which are outgrown over time. Your pediatrician will examine your baby\u2019s feet, knees, and hips at birth and each checkup after. Be sure to let them know if you\u2019re concerned.<\/p>\n

Warts<\/h3>\n

Plantar warts occur on the bottom or \u201cplantar\u201d surface of the foot. They go away on their own over time, but if they\u2019re hurting your child when they walk, contact your pediatrician for\u00a0treatment options<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Toe walking<\/h3>\n

This can be completely normal and often becomes a habit for some kids. However, if your child is predominantly toe walking after age 2, see your child\u2019s doctor.<\/p>\n

Shoes for babies<\/h3>\n

Babies don\u2019t need shoes until they start to walk. Then shoes are needed to protect their feet when walking outside. Inside it\u2019s fine to let them be barefoot \u2013 and can even help them learn balance and strengthen their feet.<\/p>\n

After you start buying shoes you\u2019ll be amazed at how fast your child\u2019s feet grow!\u00a0Check the fit\u00a0<\/a>often and expect to buy toddlers new shoes every few months. There should be a finger width of room between their toes and the end of the shoe. Shoes that are too tight can cause pain, ingrown toenails, and blisters.<\/p>\n

Ingrown toenails<\/h3>\n

These happen when the toenail curves and grows into the skin around it. This usually occurs on the big toe and is caused by cutting toenails the wrong way or by wearing tight shoes. The nail cuts the skin, causes pain, swelling, redness and sometimes infection. Usually though, ingrown toenails can be treated without antibiotics. Start with having your child soak their foot several times a day in very warm water (it\u2019s fine to add Epsom salts or soap to the water). You can also have them massage the skin away from the nail. Don\u2019t use over-the-counter medicines. And don\u2019t try to dig the nail out or cut it away \u2013 this can make the situation worse. And always cut toenails straight across, not down at the sides. Never tear the nails. Keep them shorter than the toe.<\/p>\n

There are things about feet that parents should look out for.<\/h3>\n

Talk with a doctor if your child is:<\/p>\n