As children grow, it may feel like they’re constantly outgrowing one clothing item essential for so many activities: their shoes.
But some parents in a national poll acknowledge a lack of confidence in ensuring their children are wearing properly fitting shoes – which experts say is necessary to support growth and prevent injuries.
One in seven parents also say they’ve had concerns about their child’s feet or the way they walk while one in 10 parents report their child has complained of foot pain, according to the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health.
Research Scientist
Department of Pediatrics
“Proper foot health is foundational not only for a child's physical development but also for their overall well-being, allowing them to play and be active from their first steps as a toddler to teenage years,” said Sarah Clark, M.P.H, co-director of the Mott Poll.
“It’s important that parents choose the right footwear to support children’s bone, muscle and joint growth and also talk to their health provider about any concerns as early as possible.”
The report is based on 1,083 responses of parents of children ages three to 10 surveyed in February.
Overall, 15% of parents report a foot concern for kids, with a third pointing to growing pains as a possible factor, nearly a quarter suspecting it’s from walking on their tiptoes and fewer saying it could be because they’re tired from too much exercise.
Another one in seven parents blame foot pain and concerns on shoes that did not fit well while fewer believe flat feet, an injury or an ingrown toenail may be the cause. Just one in three parents are confident they could identify flat feet.
