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Parents anxiously await their child's first steps. All eyes and video recorders are positioned to catch this momentous occasion, but according to Philip Radovic, DPM, an Orange County podiatric surgeon and member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, all the steps a child takes after that are equally important.
"Unless there is an obvious major foot health problem, parents tend to ignore their children's foot care," says Dr. Radovic. "There seem to be so many other concerns - general health issues, proper development and just daily care - that parents overlook their children's feet, just as they do their own."
Dr. Radovic recommends that parents observe their child's walking and shoe wear patterns. Things to watch out for include:
Walking with the toes pointed inward or outward is a common cause for parental concern. In some cases, these types of walking are normal, but excessive out-toeing or in-toeing needs to be evaluated.
Excessively flat feet is a common finding when infants first begin to walk. As they become older, this becomes less of an issue. Excessively flat feet may become painful with time, and may need to be treated for this reason.
High arches are not a part of normal development, and need to be investigated to be sure that it is not a sign of a bigger problem.
Nighttime leg cramps have many causes. Overuse is a common cause. Simple things, like rubbing, massage and heat, usually help. If they occur frequently, an examination is in order.
Deformities of the toes are never normal. Deviations and crossing over of toes are the beginning symptoms in ongoing problems that plague adults. Early evaluation and treatment may prevent years of discomfort.
Pain and infection in the heels can quickly become serious, and they need prompt attention to get them resolved.
Lumps and bumps that shouldn't be there -- their causes can range from warts to bone growths. These are not normal and should be checked out.
If the child makes a thumping noise with his heels and wears out the inner edges of his sole, it could be a sign of a flat foot that once was a tight Achilles tendon. Raise his heels slightly with a supportive insert (approximately 1/2 inch) and make sure he gets regular stretching exercise.
Bowleggedness is normal for the first two years of life. If it persists, though, it could signal abnormal bone growth. Knock knees are normal for 3-7 year olds and usually correct by adulthood.
Abnormal shoe wear usually signals a walking problem. In addition to being an expense, abnormal or excessive shoe wear may be the only clue to a child's foot problem.
For more information about the feet, contact Dr. Radovic's office at (949)493-8020.
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