Why Children's Foot Health Matters
Children’s feet are still developing well into their teenage years. During this time, bones are soft, muscles are growing, and the structure of the foot is taking shape. Without proper care, undiagnosed issues can lead to long-term complications, affecting posture, movement, and even participation in sports or daily activities.
Unlike adults, kids may not always be able to explain their discomfort. That’s why parents play a key role in spotting early signs of potential foot problems.
Signs Your Child May Need a Podiatrist
Look out for:
Frequent tripping or falling
Uneven shoe wear
Complaints of foot, heel, or leg pain
Limping or walking differently
Refusing to participate in physical activities
These could be signs of conditions like flat feet, in-toeing, heel pain (Sever’s disease), or even hidden injuries.
Easy Tips to Keep Children’s Feet Healthy
Wear Proper Footwear - Children grow fast, and shoes that once fit can quickly become too tight. Ensure their shoes have enough toe room, proper arch support, and are designed for their activity (e.g., sports-specific shoes).
Encourage Barefoot Time (at home) - Walking barefoot indoors helps strengthen the feet, improves balance, and lets you observe their natural gait.
Practice Good Hygiene - Teach children to wash their feet daily, dry between the toes, and wear fresh socks each day. This prevents infections, athlete’s foot, and unpleasant foot odor.
Alternate Shoes - Wearing different shoes each day allows time for moisture to dry out and helps prevent fungal growth.
Don’t Ignore “Smelly Feet” - Foul odor isn’t just a nuisance—it can be a sign of bacteria or fungus. Antifungal powders and breathable shoes can help keep it under control.
Conditions We Commonly Treat
Sever’s Disease (heel pain in growing children)
Toe-walking and In-toeing
These are all treatable with proper diagnosis and early intervention. The sooner we address these issues, the better your child’s outcome.
We're Here to Help
If your child is experiencing pain, gait changes, or persistent foot odor, don’t wait for it to resolve on its own. Let our podiatry team at Maple Springs Foot Center in Gaithersburg, MD help get your child back on their feet—pain-free and ready to play. With access to leading edge treatments and technologies, Dr. Stuart Snyder, Dr. Sara Sharma, and Dr. Sahar Zadeh can help you manage all of your foot and ankle problems
Call (301) 762-3338 or book an appointment online today.
Healthy feet start in childhood. Let’s build a strong foundation—step by step.
