Children’s feet: The basis for a healthy life
As parents, we often worry about our children's development - especially when it comes to their feet and leg posture. After all, they form the basis for the future. The good news is: in most cases, children's feet develop normally and the initial wobbly attempts quickly turn into safe steps. But how can you ensure that your child receives the best possible support? We are happy to help you.
The normal development of children's feet: What parents should know
Baby feet until the first steps
After birth, your child's foot bones are not yet fully developed, and the foot and leg muscles are slowly working their way towards optimal condition. The soft and flexible baby feet consist mainly of cartilage and are surrounded by a thick pad of fat that gives the feet a flat shape. When the baby first tries to walk, this pad of fat disappears and a longitudinal arch begins to form.
As soon as a baby can bear its own body weight, it will begin to stand and walk independently. This usually happens between the ages of 12 and 18 months. During this phase, the little ones place their feet wide apart and put their legs in an O-position to better maintain balance.
Toddlers (2-3 years)
In the second year of life, an X-position of the legs can develop, which often lasts until the fifth year. Children in this age group often have flat feet, but this is part of the normal development process. By playing and trying things out, they train their muscles and become increasingly more confident when walking.
From the age of 5
From the age of five, the legs and feet grow more and more into a straight position. The X-position gradually decreases and the feet develop into a normal arch. By the age of seven, the feet should have largely found their final shape.
6-8 years
By the age of 6 to 8, the X-legs usually correct themselves completely. The flat feet develop into a normal foot shape with a well-developed longitudinal arch. In general, there is no cause for concern up to the age of 8 if the child's foot position does not correspond to the normal for their age.
Advice for parents: What to look out for
Walking barefoot
Walking is the best exercise for your feet. Walking barefoot strengthens the muscles, but you should be careful on uneven or dirty terrain to avoid injury. Wearing shoes is recommended here.
Watch for signs of pain when walking
Children do not always show when they are in pain. Does your child no longer want to walk or has their gait changed? Does your child stumble regularly? This can indicate that something is wrong. Pay close attention to your child's movements and do not hesitate to consult a pediatrician or foot specialist if problems persist. We examine whether the development of the child's foot is progressing correctly and advise and treatment if necessary.
The right shoes for children: What you should pay attention to
The importance of the right shoes for children
Babies and toddlers love to play and kick with their feet to strengthen their muscles. Make sure your child's movements are not restricted by tight clothing, shoes that are too small or tight socks. The first shoes are not necessary until your child has been walking independently for two to three weeks. These shoes should have a soft, flexible sole so as not to affect the foot muscles and they should keep the feet warm and protected outdoors.
Important criteria when buying shoes
When the child starts walking, the shoes should meet a few criteria:
• Regular size check: Children's feet grow quickly. Make sure the shoes have 1-1.5 cm room for growth.
• Stable heel cuff: A well-closed heel provides stability.
• Adjustable closure: Laces are better than Velcro as they provide a firmer hold.
• Correct width: The shoes should not be too narrow.
• Low, wide heel: This provides better support.
• Freedom of movement for the toes: The toes should be able to move easily.
• Try on with socks: It is best to try on the shoes in the afternoon when your feet are a little bigger.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about children's shoes
Help! My child wants sneakers - how do I find the right shoe?
Many children love sneakers, but as a parent you often wonder if this is the right choice. It is important that the shoe fits well. A stable shoe with a firm heel cap and a stiff middle part of the sole offers the best support. Even though many sneakers are light and soft, they should offer enough stability to avoid misalignment and pain.
Don't worry, wearing sneakers is usually not a problem. When buying new shoes, make sure that they are stable on both the heel and the upper material. The heel cap should be firm and not press in. The middle part of the sole should be stiff on the arch of the foot to ensure maximum stability. Avoid shoes with soles that are too soft. Such shoes may be light, but offer little support. A sole that is too soft can cause the foot to roll more, which can lead to incorrect strain on the muscles and joints and ultimately to pain.
Are expensive children's shoes better?
Many parents wonder whether expensive branded shoes are really the best choice for their children. However, the price of a shoe does not necessarily say anything about its quality or suitability. An expensive branded shoe is not automatically the best children's shoe. Instead, when choosing children's shoes, you should pay attention to the important factors described above that go beyond the price.
Velcro or laces?
Shoes with Velcro fasteners are primarily comfortable because children can easily put them on and take them off themselves. This is practical and fun. But as children get older, lace-up shoes are often the better choice. They adapt better to the foot and therefore offer more support. Lace-up shoes are the best option, especially for active children who are on the go a lot or walk long distances.
Regularly check the shoe size
Check the size of your child's shoes and sports shoes regularly. Many children have a high pain tolerance and often do not notice when the shoes are too tight. In practice, we find that many children wear shoes that are too small without complaining. Make sure that the shoes offer enough room for growth in terms of length and width. Your child should be able to spread, bend and move the toes without any problems. Leave about 1 cm of space in front of the toes so that the foot can roll properly.
(Preventive) foot health for children at Laufgsund: What we can do for your child
At Laufgsund, your child's foot health is particularly important to us. Our experienced team offers comprehensive support to promote and maintain your child's foot health. Our often preventative measures aim to prevent potential problems and support the optimal development of the foot and leg muscles.
Custom-made insoles for children
If your child is diagnosed with a misalignment, it can be useful to have custom-made insoles made as a preventative measure. These specially adapted insoles help to correct the position of the foot and prevent problems at an early stage. By precisely adjusting to your child's foot, they offer optimal support and relieve the affected areas.
We often work with sensorimotor insoles for children. They are designed to specifically stimulate the foot muscles and promote the development and flexibility of the feet. By activating the foot muscles, these insoles help your child's muscles to develop and strengthen naturally. In order to continuously monitor the development of your child's feet, we hold check-ups every six months. These appointments are crucial for assessing progress and, if necessary, making adjustments to the insoles or introducing targeted exercises.
Muscle strengthening and stability training for children
We attach great importance to targeted exercises to strengthen the foot and leg muscles. Regular training strengthens the muscles. The training includes various exercises that are specifically tailored to the needs and abilities of your child and can be carried out both at home and under the supervision of one of our physiotherapists or your own child physiotherapist.
Our preventative measures and individual solutions ensure that your child can go through life pain-free and healthy. Make an appointment at Laufgsund today and get advice from our experts!
Conclusion on Foot Health from Childhood
Healthy feet are crucial for the development of posture and movement in childhood. Proper footwear, regular exercise, and good care help prevent misalignments and promote well-being. Neglect can lead to long-term problems, so early prevention is essential.