Children’s health is a significant concern for parents, as it should be. The health of children’s feet is no exception. Children under age two commonly walk on the balls of their feet instead of with their heels touching the ground. This is known as toe walking. Most children will graduate from this gait pattern and walk heel-to-toe. If a child continues to walk this way, they might develop tight calf muscles, and walking in a typical way will become harder to learn. There is no known reason why a child may prefer to walk on their toes past young toddler age. However, if a youngster has certain conditions, such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, a spinal cord abnormality, or autism, this way of walking is more likely. To rule out any reasons for concern if your child toe walks, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can do an examination and discuss anything of significance.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Kellvan Cheng, DPM of Elite Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Carrollton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.