Feet for Life Month June 2005  4 OUT OF 5 SCHOOL STARTERS ARE WEARING
SHOES THAT ARE DAMAGING THEIR FEET
Shocking results released today from a study conducted by the Glasgow Caledonian University reveal 83 per cent of school starters are wearing shoes that are too small, despite the risk of serious, long-term damage associated with ill-fitting shoes. Released in conjunction with the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists (SCP) as part of this year’s Feet for Life Month, the results indicate parents are unaware of the importance of having their children’s shoes fitted correctly, and the permanent injury that can be caused by wearing shoes that are inadequate in length and width.
Consultant Paediatric Podiatrist and lecturer at Glasgow Caledonian University Gordon Watt says that 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.
The Glasgow study is not the only piece of recent research ringing alarm bells about the future health of children’s feet. The SCP's own survey highlights only six per cent of parents check their child’s feet when they buy them a new pair of shoes; 23 per cent when they complain of a problem; and a startling further 23 per cent don’t check them at all, despite recommendations that they should be checked every 6-8 weeks. 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 Mr Watt. As part of Feet for Life Month and to help parents take greater responsibility for the health of young people’s feet, the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists has launched a practical foot care guide to children’s feet. The guide offers in-depth information on foot health, problems associated with growth, as well as useful top tips for buying shoes. SEND FOR YOUR FREE COPY
To obtain copies of the Feet for life Month Looking out for Children's Feet, please send us an email with your address details and a request for the brochure.
Soc Chiropodists & Podiatrists 1-Jun-2005
Categories: Children, Footwear, Footnote
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