Foot Health Week 2007

MEDIA RELEASE - DATE: 13 September 2007

Protect children’s feet for life, say podiatrists Children’s feet are fragile and can be damaged easily, according to the Australian Podiatry Association (NSW).

For Foot Health Week (14th-20th October) the Association is focusing on children’s feet, outlining the first steps to foot health.

“Children’s feet are not just miniature versions of adult feet; they are still forming,” says Brenden Brown, Vice President of the Association . “At birth, feet are mostly cartilage and in childhood and adolescence the bones in the feet, 52 in all, will form. During this time they are extremely fragile and any undue pressure can cause deformities. At the same time, they will grow rapidly, requiring regular shoe size checks.”

The campaign aims to educate children and parents about the best ways to care for feet. The Association is promoting foot care, correct shoe fitting and professional follow up on foot problems.

“Walking is one of the first concerns for parents. It is important to remember that all children achieve this milestone in their own time – children usually walk between ten and 24 months of age,” says Mr Brown. “ Some children walk with toes pointed in or out while others walk on their toes. While this variation is generally normal, investigation is required if there seems to be a problem or if these walking styles persist beyond the age of two.”

As children grow it is common for them to experience pain in the feet or legs.

“While pain in the legs or feet is common it is not considered normal. Foot pain in children should be investigated especially if it is associated with falling or tripping, reluctance to participate in activities and difficulty finding shoes that fit comfortably,”

Children often suffer from foot problems such as warts, in-grown toenails, rashes and tinea.

“We recommend that all foot problems be investigated professionally as treating the symptoms with an over-the-counter medication or preparation will not successfully resolve any underlying problem that exists,”

The correct professional advice is important.

“Podiatrists don’t just prescribe orthotics, they are tertiary educated foot health professionals who are trained to diagnose and treat problems associated with the feet and lower limbs including injury, infection and disease, as well as structural or functional problems which includes difficulties with walking and foot pain,” Mr Brown said

For more information, or to find a podiatrist near you, go to www.podiatry.asn.au and click on Search for a Podiatrist or contact the Australian Podiatry Association (NSW) on 02 9698 3751

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Media Inquiries: Brenden Brown
Mobile: 0411 107 543