Put feet first for back to school, urges podiatry body

Feet are the engine room of the human body and have to carry the individual through a lifetime, hence parents should consider the importance of their child’s feet when purchasing shoes for the new school year, the Australian Podiatry Association (Vic) said today.

“A child’s feet are just as important to their growth as are their teeth, eyes and other parts of the body”.  Matthew Dilnot, Association President said “Many adult foot problems originate at childhood when we should be giving proper care, attention and footwear to our younger family members”.

“Choose carefully when purchasing new school shoes. Don’t allow fashion ahead of fit or self selection by your child at discount outlets to be a purchase criteria, and do not purchase larger sizes hoping they will last longer”.

The Podiatry Association strongly urges that parents, when purchasing those new school shoes should:

Ensure that the shoe has a firm heel and does not slip as the child walks.

Check the shoe has sufficient depth and width to prevent pressure on the toes and nails.

Ensure there is a small space between the tip of the longest toe and the shoe cap.

Purchase shoes which “hold” onto the foot securely, hence lace-ups are preferred with     

Velcro tabs being a suitable option.

Look for leather upper shoes - it is durable, it stretches and it breathes.

“We strongly advise that parents make sure their children’s footwear are properly fitted. Ask if the sales assistant is trained in shoe-fitting. If in doubt, or concerned consult your local podiatrist”. said Mr Dilnot .

During their early years a child’s feet grow rapidly, reaching about half their adult size. By age twelve, a child’s foot is about 90% of its adult length and to combat any problems in the early years is of utmost importance.

The majority of foot and lower leg problems in children do not cause pain, but signs that a problem exists include an unusual or awkward walk, indifferent  shoe wear pattern and early fatigue. Such problems together with any concerns about your child’s foot health development should be reported to a podiatrist as soon as possible.