Foot Health
One of the most important yet most abused parts of the body is our feet. Shoes are the only item of clothing that can damage our health!
Many mobility problems in later life are caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes as a child.
From birth to early teens feet are at their most vulnerable, in fact, there are 26 bones in the foot and they do not completely ossify (harden) until around the age of eighteen.
A child is ready for their first pair of shoes ‘when the child is walking most of the day and wants to walk outside’. At that time the child needs a pair of shoes to protect his or her feet.
Fitting Guide
Have your child’s feet measured and shoes checked by a qualified shoe fitter every 6-8 weeks (0-5 years) and every 10-12 weeks thereafter. They will not necessarily need new shoes every time. A qualified shoe fitter will not sell a pair of shoes unless needed and will be happy to measure and advise accordingly.
- A fitting gauge is only a guide and a good fitter interprets the correct shoe for the shape of the foot.
- Buy footwear made of natural materials eg. Leather, cotton etc. as these materials breathe and mould to the foot.
- NEVER hand shoes down. They take on the shape of the previous wearer – they will rub and not support in vital areas and can harbour infections.
- Buy cotton or wool socks, and check seams for a “casting-off” knot that can rub toes. Socks and baby-grows that are too small at the toes will restrict growth and circulation.
For more information visit www.shoefitters-uk.org