While your children may have made it halfway through the school year, their shoes may have not.
A child’s feet can grow up to two sizes in six months. Signs of too-tight shoes include blisters, corns, and calluses on the toes, blisters on the back of the heels or ingrown toenails. Also check shoes for wear and tear since they can lose shock absorption over time.
If you need to buy new shoes for your child, choose a pair that has a little, but not too much, room for growth. Aim for about a finger’s width of space between your child’s big toe and the front of the shoe. Be careful not to buy shoes that are too big because oversized shoes can cause the foot to slide forward, putting pressure on the toes.
The shoes should also have a toe box wide enough to accommodate your child’s feet, adequate cushioning and shock absorption. If your child has flat feet, look for shoes that provide arch support.
Call my office to schedule an appointment if your child has any trouble walking or running or has foot pain despite wearing properly fitted shoes.
Dr. Ruth Ann Cooper
Dr. Ruth Ann Cooper