Category Archives: Children’s Feet

Teach your child to tie their shoelaces in less than 5 minutes!!

Posted on by

A few days ago, I had to teach my 6 year old son to tie his shoelaces thanks to a new pair of running shoes. After several attempts at the single loop and rabbit ears method, we stumbled upon this little gem! It is super easy to learn (although can cause a knot when untying).

See the video below (starring the 6 year-old to prove how easy it is!):

 

 

Your Feet and Pregnancy

Posted on by

Pregnancy takes a big toll on our bodies and can be quite uncomfortable for many women. Whilst some women have no trouble with their feet at all, many have pain and discomfort. Generally the pain resolves shortly after the baby arrives, but in some cases, the changes are long term. Here are a few issues you may have with your feet and some IMG_0602_2ways to alleviate some of the discomfort:

Sore Heels/Arches: With the additional weight of your baby, fluid and the placenta, a lot of extra load is placed on the feet. This extra load, coupled with the relaxin hormone, released in pregnancy can result in the muscles and ligaments supporting the arch of the foot to stretch and reduce the arch height resulting in a flat foot. Flat feet or excessive pronation (rolling in) can result in foot, leg and hip pain

Treatment: To prevent pain, there are a number of things you can do

  1. Choose supportive footwear. This doesn’t mean you have to wear orthopaedic shoes, but wherever possible, forego the heels or ballet flats for a shoe that holds your heel firmly in place and supports the arch and foot.
  2. Massage your foot: Rolling your foot along a ball when you are sitting down or a specialised foot roller, can stimulate blood flow and drainage away from the feet and minimise discomfort
  3. Temporary arch supports/orthotics- if the pain is very bad, it may be necessary to wear an insert in your shoe during the pregnancy to help maintain the arch and minimise pain
  4. Visit your Podiatrist- 9 months is a long time to have sore feet….. if the pain is getting worse, a podiatrist can help to relieve the pain and get you moving during pregnancy
  5. Alter your exercise program to include more low impact or no impact exercise such as swimming

Shoe size changes: There are many reasons that a pregnant woman’s shoe size can increase- Swelling of the feet, the effects of relaxin, extra load- but it is important to ensure that you accommodate the larger foot to avoid painful skin changes (corns and calluses), ingrown toenails or toenail thickening.

Swelling: There are number of reasons that a pregnant woman’s feet may swell and these are best discussed with your obstetrician. They may suggest compression stockings and elevating the feet whenever possible.

Callous and Corns: For the reasons listed above (extra weight, swelling etc), the foot may fit differently into shoes and take more pressure during walking. As a result to protect underlying vessels and nerves, the body will create thicker skin in the areas at risk. This thickening of the skin may become painful and your podiatrist can remove this for you.

 

 

School Shoes- how to choose the right ones for your child’s growing feet

Posted on by

It’s Back to School Time and for many parents, a time to buy new school shoes.

Here’s a few tips for making sure you buy the right shoes for your child:

  • Try to purchase Leather shoes if you can afford to- the natural fibre will allow the children feet to breathe and will wear much better than synthetic shoes. 100% Cotton socks are always a better option too
  • Look for a shoe which is firm around the heel and ‘cups’ the heel. Make sure that the heel is not slipping at the back
  • A Leather lace up is always a good idea, but if that is not possible (i.e.. your child can’t tie their laces or won’t tolerate such a fashion travesty- as in the case of my niece), look for a Velcro or Mary Jane Style alternative that still holds the child’s foot firmly in the shoe
  • The sole of the shoe should be relatively firm, but bend well at the toe
  • Choosing the size: Allow a thumb width between the end of the Child’s big toe and the end of the shoe
  • Choosing the Style: If your Child is a very active Child, it is a good idea to choose a Sports-like shoe or one with a sports style sole

Which Shoes did my son start Prep with last week? The Ascent Junior…. It looks like a normal school shoe, but has the sole of a sports shoe and is endorsed by the Australian Podiatry Council. It also comes in half sizes which was a big plus for us given my son is halfway between 2 sizes.

If unsure, feel free to email us for advise or come into the rooms at the Epworth in Richmond. Call 9421 4116 or Book online

Choosing School Shoes- Richmond Podiatrist