COMMON FOOT PROBLEMS AND WHAT TO DO

Debbie Claassen, a Gauteng podiatrist, says most of her young clients battle with the following:

INGROWN TOENAILS “This is one of the most common problems and can easily be avoided. Follow the shape of the toe when cutting your baby’s toenails, but always leave the corners straight – don’t cut down towards the nail bed,” she says. She also advises parents not to cut toenails into a V shape in the middle.

WARTS spread through water or sweat. Babies and children who go to swimming lessons or those who use public pools are most at risk. “It has to be treated correctly from the start, preferably by a podiatrist or dermatologist,” Debbie says.

PIGEON TOES Feet that are turned in can be hereditary and could have several causes, says Debbie. Stiff muscles could be one of the causes. The bones in the leg could also be turned – either the femur (thigh bone) or tibia or fibula (the two bones between the knee and ankle). “All of this will have a radical effect on the position of the foot, and will affect the child’s way of walking.”

WALKING ON TIPPY TOES Sometimes this is learnt behaviour, especially among little girls who imagine themselves as ballerinas. But it could also be due to Achilles tendons or calf muscles that are too short. “This is usually easily rectified with physiotherapy and foot excercises,” Debbie says.

CLUB FEET Debbie says these cases are usually referred to orthopaedic surgeons for surgery.

STINKY FEET? Allow your child to walk around barefoot more, avoid “takkies” in summer, buy cotton rather than nylon socks, rotate shoes and let each pair air for at least 24 hours before wearing them again.