Make Sure Your Toddler is Ready to Walk and Run

Toddlers tend to be bundles of energy. When they begin to take their first steps, it’s only a matter of time before they’re happily scampering around at home. Keeping your toddler’s feet healthy is a must. Here are some important tips to keep in mind.

Toddler Foot Care

Be sure keep your toddler’s feet clean and dry. Maintaining good hygiene is one of the keys to preventing nasty fungal infections. Although your toddler may not yet play sports, they can still get athlete’s foot. This is why it’s so important to thoroughly dry their feet after baths. If your child’s toenails have become a bit too long, always trim them straight across. Cutting at an angle could lead to an ingrown toenail, which can be incredibly painful.

Purchase Properly Fitting Shoes

Ill-fitting shoes are bound to cause your toddler a great deal of discomfort. Never make the mistake of buying shoes without first trying them on. Your toddler’s feet also need to be measured on a regular basis. Sneakers that are too small can lead to corns, blisters, and calluses. Pay especially close attention to the design of a shoe’s toe box. If your toddler experiences pain wearing a certain pair of shoes, don’t expect their feet to adjust over time.

Allow Them to Go Barefoot

American Foot and Leg Specialists encourage toddlers to go barefoot. Although shoes are great for playing in the yard, they don’t provide many benefits indoors. Going barefoot seeks to strengthen the various foot muscles. This will also help in the development of their arch.

Pay Close Attention to Their Gait

The way a person walks refers to their gait. While watching your toddler stroll about, keep an eye out for an abnormal gait. While some youngsters may walk with their foot turned inward, others may walk with their feet pointed out. Both abnormalities can lead to structural problems in the long run. The best approach is to correct irregular gaits at an early age. Some toddlers also suffer from flat feet, which means they will likely need extra arch support.

If you’re concerned about your toddler’s foot care, be sure to contact American Foot and Leg Specialists. We have four convenient locations in Georgia: Fayetteville, Forest Park, Locust Grove, and Stockbridge. Our experienced podiatric physicians promise to get your toddler prepared to walk and run. We also offer a wide range of other services, including physical therapy for lower leg injuries and toenail fungus laser treatment. Our friendly staff will be more than happy to schedule you an appointment.

*This article does not take the place of professional medical advice. Please call our staff with questions or make an appointment with one of our physicians. You can also contact an M.D. in your area.