Parents, don't neglect the well-being of your children's feet!

The new school year is fast approaching and undoubtedly, many parents are already thinking about the agony of having to purchase new school shoes for their children again. However, I need to point out that parents shouldn't neglect the well-being of their children’s feet.

I think it is great that children are encouraged to be active all the time, whether they are playing sports, in the playground or outside of school; and yet parents often forget that the feet are like other parts of the body, it is just as important for their childen's feet to get strong and healthy, too.

Many parents unfortunately have a misconception that comfort, cushioning and heavily supportive footwear are the best for their children because they spend at least 10 hours everyday in shoes. Parents don't realise that those conventional shoes and orthotics actually brace the feet and don't allow muscles to be used and exercised properly.

When foot muscles are strengthened and correctly utilised, not only can the child’s posture and gait pattern be improved, they will also have fewer injuries, less muscular soreness and fatigue, especially benefitting those who are going through growing spurts.

I have always believed that having strong and healthy feet should be a goal for all and this is the reason to why I "de-orthoticise" my patients, in order to restore natural foot function. It is a good idea to have a good habit to start in the young, to minimise weight bearing joint and muscle problems later in life.

If your child is having troubles with their feet, how about booking in an appointment to see me before school starts in two weeks' time?