In the spirit of National Wellness Month, we at New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group want to spread some of our best foot and ankle health insight, so that your kids can have happy, healthy feet for years to come. Let’s dive into our essential tips, starting with perhaps the most important: the right shoes.

Choose the Right Shoes for Every Occasion

Your child’s feet are soft and growing, which means the wrong shoes can easily cause problems. Always make sure their shoes fit properly. It’s easy to assume your child can get another 6 months or so out of their shoes, but if there are any signs of tightness, we recommend getting another pair.

But this also means getting their feet measured regularly—every few months for toddlers and at least every six months for older kids, because their feet can grow a full size in a short amount of time.

And lastly: avoid hand-me-downs, as they conform to the previous wearer’s foot, and always choose sport-specific shoes for dedicated sports.

Note: If your child is constantly complaining about foot pain, consider coming in to get them fitted for custom orthotics.

Maintain Good Foot Hygiene

A child’s feet can get sweaty, especially during summer play. Teach them to wash their feet daily with soap and water, to dry them thoroughly, and to wear fresh, clean socks every day.

And as parents, it may be hard to always keep shoes on your children, and we get that. But if they’re not going to wear shoes, be sure the area is clean. Fungal infections exist, especially in summer environments like pools.

Watch for the Warning Signs

Kids don’t always have the words to describe foot pain, so it’s up to parents to be vigilant. Pay attention to signs like limping, complaining of foot or leg pain, hesitance to participate in sports, or constantly tripping. It could be a sign that they’re dealing with a foot issue, especially if it’s not painful enough for them to tell you.

Also, while we often chalk up a child’s aches to growing pains, persistent, localized pain, swelling, or redness is never normal. If your child’s discomfort doesn’t go away with rest or seems to be getting worse, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Proper Toenail Care

Lastly, improper nail trimming. A classic childhood issue.

Teach your child (or do it for them) to trim their toenails straight across, without rounding the corners. This simple practice helps prevent the nail from growing into the skin.

If you’re worried about your child’s foot pain, come see the expert team at New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group. With more than 30 locations, from Newark, NJ, to Cape May, NJ, we value convenience and excellent service for our patients. To schedule an appointment, first find a podiatrist in your area.