Children can experience foot problems if their parents do not know when to purchase new shoes for tots or the type of shoes they need.
"Parents' misconceptions about purchasing children's shoes is common," said David M. Drvaric, MD, staff orthopaedic surgeon, department of orthopaedic surgery, Shriners Hospital, Springfield, Mass. "However, if they remember the basic principle that certain shoes are appropriate for children at specific ages, they should be fine."
In scientific exhibit S 21, Dr. Drvaric and his colleagues developed guidelines that instruct parents how to find properly-fitting shoes for their children that will help avoid foot problems like corns, calluses, and blisters.
According to Dr. Drvaric, an average child's foot follows a specific growth pattern. It is:
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Less than 16 months: Shoe size increases one full size every two months.
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Sixteen to 24 months: Shoe size increases 1/2 size every two to three months.
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Two to 3 years old: Shoe size increases 1/2 size every three to four months.
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Three to 5 years old: Shoe size increases 1/2 size every four months.
Once parents know their child's growth pattern, selecting the shoe style can be easier, says Dr. Drvaric. "However, there are specific rules that parents must follow for certain age groups."
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Infants: Babies do not need shoes. They need only booties to keep their feet warm and protected from injury.
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Toddlers: Shoes for toddlers, aged 9 months to 3 years old, should allow feet to "breathe" because they perspire a great amount. Parents should avoid shoes made of synthetic materials which do not allow the foot to "breathe." For children 9 to 18 months, parents should choose a high-top shoe that will stay on the foot better than an oxford or a low-top tennis shoe. A leather or canvas laced-shoe is more secure, and will stay on the foot.
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School-aged children: At this age, parents can choose from a variety of options including athletic shoes, sandals, hiking shoes, etc. Parents should look for a reasonably-priced, flexible, well-ventilated shoe that allows plenty of room for growth.
Dr. Drvaric stresses that if parents have difficulty in locating shoes that properly fit, they should consult an orthopaedic surgeon for advice.
"There are so many varieties of shoes to choose, it can be overwhelming," said Dr. Drvaric. "If parents have questions, it is always best to seek medical advice."
The scientific exhibit was sponsored by the Committee on Pediatrics of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society.
Orthopaedic surgeons, all members of the committee, contributing to the exhibit with Dr. Drvaric are Richard A. Elkus, MD, committee chairman; Richard S. Davidson, MD; Earl N. Feiwell, MD; Richard J. Haynes, MD; Juan A. Realyvasquez, MD; Peter B. Salamon, MD; Walther H.O. Bohne, MD; Seymour Zimbler, MD; and Dennis R. Roy, MD. |
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