The good news is the fact that doctors no longer take such drastic corrective measures when dealing with most foot disorders. Actually, many such conditions aren't considered problems whatsoever. "A baby's foot undergoes many changes that aren't serious, don't require any treatment, and are often normal areas of development," says Micheal Goldbearg, M.D., F.A.A.P., Professor and Chairman of orthopedics in the Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston.
Although the adult shoe has changed from being a protective covering to becoming a status symbol, the child's shoe has remained in its basic sole-protecting the foot from the hazards from the outside world. No matter age, a shoe's main purpose would be to give a protective covering during cold weather and prevent injury caused by stepping on sharp objects outdoors. However when kids are just learning to walk, they need lots of shoeless time. Inside the house, socks with rubberized soles will provide protection with no risk of falling. But kids sooner or later have to leave the safety of their house and be able to move outside, without endangering their feet. Thus, when parents are buying a child's shoes you should remember to have their babies' and children's feet measured by an experienced salesperson as nobody wants the shoe to slip while the kid is walking or to rub against the ankle or toes. "Make sure both feet are measure while the child is standing!" adds Dr. Micheal Goldbearg.
A recent survey of professionals who give advice on children's feet, including pediatricians, orthopedic surgeons, pediatric orthopedics, and podiatrists, revealed wide divergence of opinion regarding shoes and footwear in both normal and problematic feet. Then, what's a parent left to complete? The only rational approach towards the subject is to examine some traditional ideas in the light of recent studies and experience, in order to determine if the professional views should be upheld or discarded.
1. Shoes are necessary to promote foot development: In other words normal children's feet need support, otherwise they will become flat. Recent studies appear to contradict this. Feet deformities like bunions and hammer-toes are very rare among children who wear no shoes, in contrast to people who do, where such deformities are commonly detected.
2. High-top shoes are necessary to support the ankle as the child takes its first steps: Well-meaning but misinformed relatives often perpetrate this myth. Studies have shown that whenever a child is strong enough to stand up and walk, he may have ankles strong enough to support his body.
3. Sneakers, if worn for more than a few hours each day, are harmful to children: This is a widely held belief among consumers in addition to professionals. There's absolutely no evidence that normal feet develop into flatfeet if tennis shoes rather then hi-top or leather shoes are used.
4. Shoe salesmen are competent to diagnose foot problems and advise remedial shoe war for children: This really is totally erroneous. Most shoe salesmen are well intentioned and desire to sell you probably the most comfortable shoes they are able to find. However they aren't trained to give advice regarding foot problems. Responsible salesmen should suggest to parents that their child should visit a doctor, in case its feet don't appear right.
5. The Price of Shoes: The cost of shoes is usually related to the kind of material used. Leather is the most expensive, particularly if it used for both uppers and soles. Since leather allows the feet to "breathe" within the shoes it helps avoid sweat accumulation and skin irritation. But while leather uppers are desirable, leather soles are not necessary and may be replaced by rubber or crepe soles.
6. The Soles of the Shoes: The soles of the shoes whether leather or rubber, should be thick enough to protect, yet flexible enough for walking. It is also important to look at the bottom of the soles to determine depth of the grooves. The deeper the grooves the better the traction.
7. Fitting Children's Shoes: Parents must remember searching for a pair of shoes to fit their child's feet, not vice versa. To get a good fit, both the shape and also the size from the shoes should comfort to its feet. Foot size increases whether standing, sleeping, or running. Once the shoes are on, parents should check for adequate length and width, based on their child's unique case.
8. The Appropriate Shoe: Certain kinds of shoes are appropriate depending on the child's age. Babies and crawlers do not need shoes. They only need booties, warm socks, or pre-walking shoes that don't bind feet. Shoes for toddles, on the other hand, age 9months to 3 years, should allow the foot to breathe because of perspiration. Style and shoe-fit is essential for school-age children. For any child age, parents should be aware that problems such as flatfeet or high arch could be developed, plus they must always pay attention towards the anatomic nature from the shoes purchased.