4 OUT OF 5 SCHOOL STARTERS ARE WEARING SHOES THAT ARE DAMAGING THEIR FEET
This was the shocking results of a recently released study conducted by the
Consultant Pediatric Podiatrist and lecturer at Glasgow Caledonian University Dr. Gordon Watt says “many parents grossly underestimate the importance of looking after their child’s feet while they are growing.
“Unlike adult feet, children’s feet grow. The study showed that children’s feet were at serious risk because they were contained in an environment that restricted their growing feet. Children are born with relatively soft and flexible cartilage which gradually converts to bone with age. As they are growing, their feet are vulnerable to injury and deformity due to ill-fitting footwear.”
“Parents have to start taking greater responsibility for the health of their child’s feet. Having their feet correctly fitted for shoes, looking at their shoes to identify any unusual wear, checking their feet regularly, and taking them to a registered podiatrist for professional advice if there are problems or concerns. “Maintaining and caring for a child’s feet will benefit their health, mobility and well being throughout their entire life, so it is crucially important for parents to make the health of children’s feet and what type of shoes they wear a priority” says Dr Watt.
