Will they just outgrow being pigeon toed? Or flat footed? Most often, the answer is no.

It is important for parents to pay close attention to their children's feet from the start. Adult foot pain often has its origins in childhood. Preventative care can help thwart these issues. Neglecting foot health invites problems in other parts of the body such as the knees, legs and back.

Did you know that babies' feet will be almost half their adult foot size by their first birthday? That's amazing! Problems noticed at birth will not disappear by themselves. Don't wait until the child begins walking to address these issues. The American Podiatric Medical Association recommends the following tips to help assure that development proceeds normally:

- Be vigilant about inspecting your baby's feet. If you notice something abnormal, call your doctor. Don't expect issues to go just go away as they grow, things can get much worse with time.

- Because an infant's feet grow so quickly, it is best to always keep them loosely covered. Tight fitting materials restrict movement and may hinder normal development.

- Let your baby exercise their feet and legs by allowing the feet and legs to be uncovered when a cover is not necessary. Babies naturally like to kick and squirm which will help them gain the strength to stand and walk soon.

- Be sure to reposition the baby several times throughout the day to avoid prolonged strain on the same bones and joints etc.

- Shoes are obviously not a natural part of the human foot and cause many of the problems found in adult feet. Babies are even more susceptible to the pitfalls of shoes. Allow your child to walk barefoot or to wear only socks whenever it is possible to do so safely. This allows the foot to develop naturally while strengthening the toes that are built to "grip" surfaces. When shoes are a must, be sure that they are both light and flexible. The more natural the materials, the better.

Walking comes natural to humans and it is best to let nature determine when a baby starts to walk (usually between 10 and 18 months). Forcing the issue before the child is ready can cause physical and emotional stress for both of you! Give them the opportunity to walk, and they will take it from there.

Toddlers and school age children should have their feet checked often by their parents. Millions of children participate in sports, but foot pain could keep them on the sidelines. Here are some suggestions to keep your kids footloose and fancy free:

- Have your child's feet measured often as shoe size can sometimes increase rapidly, even in as little as three months.

- Warm weather invites us all to go barefoot and that's great, but be cautious and use common sense. Any surface that is frequented by the bare feet of others can help spread infection and viruses like plantar warts which infiltrate the body through small breaks in the skin.

- Don't be fooled if your child does not complain about foot pain. I have seen children who suffered for months with an ingrown nail; not telling their parents due to fear of a visit to the doctor.

- When purchasing shoes, be sure that it has a firm heel counter (stiff at the back of the shoe) and adequate cushioning of the insole. There should be a thumbnail's width between the longest toe and the end of the shoe. The sole (bottom of shoe) should bend at the ball of the foot but not in the middle of the shoe. Avoid hand-me-down shoes as they have been shaped and worn to an individual's unique feet.

- To prevent a painful ingrown toenail, trim toenails straight across. If the toenail becomes infected (red and swollen) see a podiatrist right away.

Addressing a "little" foot issue now (pun intended) may help your child avoid a big problem down the road. Bring your child to a podiatrist to ensure successful development and optimal foot health for your child's feet throughout the years.

Copyright (c) 2009 Dr. Jennifer Feeny