Foot problems in adult life can often be prevented through early intervention in childhood. By the age of 12 a young person's foot has nearly reached its adult size which is why early childhood is an important time for correction of any developmental and structural abnormalities.

Don’t restrict a baby's development with tight bedclothes, booties, socks or blankets. Allow them to kick and exercise legs and feet.

• Discourage poor sleeping and sitting positions (ie. sleeping on stomach or kneeling with feet turned out). Sitting with legs crossed is preferred.
• Walking frames place stress on bones and muscles prematurely. Babies will begin walking through natural development, which usually occurs, between 9 and 18 months.
• Babies are bow legged up to 2 years of age then can go through a knock knee stage which can last up to 7 years of age
• When your child begins walking, look for signs that may indicate abnormalities in their structure and development. Such signs as:

 Awkward walking style.

• Feet turned out excessively
•  Painful, tired legs at the end of the day (also known as: 'Growing Pains')
•  Abnormal wear patterns on shoes
•  Skin lesions (ie. corns, blisters, calluses)

Many of these problems can be treated with exercise; shoe modifications or custom made insoles (orthoses) in the shoe.

Nails should be cut straight across and down the sides.

Barefoot is acceptable in non-problematic feet and is advisable during early development. However once prolonged weight bearing and walking begins footwear is required.

Qualities to look for in a shoe include:

•  Adequate length and width of a shoe (especially across the ball of the foot and toes).
•  A stiff sole, except at the ball of the foot where the shoes should provide adequate flexibility for the foot to bend.
•  A good lace up or strap to hold the foot firmly in the shoe.
•  Leather uppers help prevent excess moisture build up.
•  A softer shoe may be advised in pigeon toed child as this lessens the severity of the conditions.
•  Elastic sided boots are not normally advised as the elastic stretches after a short period and the boot loses most of its support and stability.

For older children there is a larger version, both measure not only length but width which is extremely important in finding the right fit. All Gippsland Foot Clinic staff have completed Clarks Fitting courses and are experts in fitting Clarks shoes with orthotics. We see the problems that can arise from incorrect footwear and recognize that once children commence school they are virtually wearing the same shoes 8 hours a day five days a week. This is why correct fitting shoes are critical to the healthy development of all children and also importantly to injury prevention.

Gippsland Foot Clinic stocks a large range of Clarks school shoes. Clarks show the way in School footwear and is a brand that sets the standard now and in the future for style, fit, function, comfort and durability.

Importantly at Gippsland Foot Clinic our highly qualified and expert Podiatrists are often available to provide complimentary advice and information where needed to ensure the end result is a child with ‘happy feet!”