Back-to-school season means new clothes, new supplies, busy schedules; and often, a lot more time on your child’s feet. From walking between classes to gym class, recess, and sports, healthy feet are an important part of keeping kids comfortable, active, and ready to learn.
As families prepare for a new school year, don’t forget about back-to-school foot health. Healthy feet can help keep kids comfortable and active from the classroom to the playing field.Before the school year gets busy, take a few minutes to make sure your child’s feet and shoes are ready.
Choose the Right Socks
Socks play an important role in keeping feet comfortable and protected. Choose socks that fit properly and aren’t too tight around the toes or ankles.
Moisture-wicking materials can also help keep feet dry, particularly for children who participate in sports or spend long hours in sneakers.
Encourage kids to change their socks every day, and after sports or activities when they’re sweaty.
Don’t Ignore Foot or Heel Pain
It’s not unusual for kids to experience occasional aches, especially during periods of growth and increased activity. However, persistent or recurring pain isn’t something parents should simply ignore.
Pay attention if your child complains about:
- Heel or arch pain
- Pain while walking or running
- Swelling
- Ankle pain
- Pain during or after sports
- Difficulty keeping up with friends or classmates
- Frequent limping
Getting an issue evaluated early can help prevent it from interfering with school, sports, and everyday activities.
Prepare for Fall Sports
Fall sports can mean a sudden increase in running, jumping, and other high-impact activities. Soccer, football, cross-country, field hockey, and other sports can place significant demands on growing feet and ankles.
Make sure your child has sport-specific footwear that fits properly and encourage them to warm up and stretch before activity.
If your child experiences significant pain or an injury, don’t encourage them to simply “walk it off.” Have the injury evaluated when appropriate.
Don’t Let a Busy Schedule Lead to Neglected Foot Care
Between school, homework, sports, and activities, foot care can easily fall to the bottom of the list.
Encourage your child to develop simple habits that protect their feet, such as changing out of sweaty socks after sports, keeping feet clean and dry, and giving their feet time to rest after a long day.
For children who participate in multiple sports or activities, paying attention to fatigue and allowing adequate recovery time is especially important.
Healthy routines don’t have to be complicated, they just need to be consistent.
Check Your Child’s Feet Regularly
A quick foot check can help you spot problems before they become more serious.
Look for:
- Blisters
- Redness or irritation
- Cuts or sores
- Swelling
- Calluses
- Changes in the toenails
- Areas where shoes may be rubbing
If you notice something unusual that doesn’t improve, consider having your child’s feet evaluated.
Pay Attention to How Your Child Walks
Changes in the way your child walks or runs can sometimes be a sign that something is bothering their feet or ankles.
Watch for limping, walking on their toes, unusual shoe wear, frequent tripping, or avoiding certain activities.
These changes don’t necessarily mean there is a serious problem, but they are worth discussing with a podiatrist if they persist.
When Should Your Child See a Podiatrist?
Consider scheduling an evaluation if your child has persistent foot or ankle pain, recurring injuries, difficulty walking or participating in activities, noticeable changes in their gait, or other concerns about their feet.
A podiatrist can evaluate your child’s feet, identify potential problems, and recommend appropriate treatment or preventative measures.
Start the School Year on the Right Foot
Healthy feet can help children stay active, comfortable, and confident throughout the school year. A properly fitting pair of shoes, good daily foot care, and paying attention to changes can go a long way. Making back-to-school foot health a priority can help prevent common foot and ankle problems and keep children active throughout the school year.
Before the first bell rings, make sure your child’s feet are ready for the school year!
At New Jersey Foot & Ankle Institute, we’re here to help keep your child’s feet healthy through school, sports, and everything in between.
