Keeping Children’s Feet Safe

Find out how to properly protect your child’s feet to prevent problems from happening. 

You take your child to the dentist to ward off decay and you take them to the pediatrician for routine checkups and vaccinations, but it’s also important that you focus on the health of their feet and ankles as well. Your Fort Walton Beach, and Crestview, FL, foot doctors, Dr. Cosimo Ricciardi and Dr. Neil Patel, see a lot of injuries and problems that could have been avoided with the proper care and attention. Here are some helpful tips to keep your child’s feet safe:

Keep Feet Clean 

To protect your child’s feet from fungal or bacterial infections, proper hygiene is key. You should be washing your child’s feet every night with soap and water. Don’t forget to get between toes, where bacteria can also lurk. By washing and drying your child’s feet every day you reduce their chances of developing athlete’s foot.

Choose Properly Fitted Shoes 

We know that kid’s feet grow quickly, but they must be wearing properly fitted shoes that also offer support. Shoes that are too loose or too tight can lead to blisters, calluses, and ingrown toenails. If your child continues to take their shoes off, this could be a sign that their feet hurt. Go to a shoe store and have your child’s feet properly measured by someone in the shop to make sure they are getting properly fitted shoes.

Say “No” To Going Barefoot 

While we know that kids often like to run around outside without their shoes on, this is one of the easiest ways to incur foot and ankle injuries. To prevent splinters, stubbed toes, damaged nails, cuts, burns, and more, your child must wear shoes anytime they go outside.

Know When to Visit a Podiatrist 

You should be examining your child’s feet every day to make sure everything looks healthy. You should also recognize when it’s time to turn to your Fort Walton Beach, and Crestview, FL, foot doctors for care. Schedule an appointment with us if:

  • Your child complains about foot or ankle pain
  • They don’t develop arches in their feet after age six
  • They walk on their toes or they develop pigeon toes
  • They develop an ingrown toenail
  • They have trouble walking or they’re limping
  • Your child sustains a foot or ankle injury
  • Their natural gait looks “off”
  • Your child has bowed legs or knock knees

If you are concerned about the health of your child’s feet, or if they have incurred an injury, your Fort Walton Beach, and Crestview, FL, foot doctors at Emerald Coast Podiatry are here to help. To schedule an evaluation, simply call us at 850-862-4119 or 850-682-6522.

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Crestview Office

Fort Walton Beach Office

Hours of Operation

Monday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-4:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-4:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed