Children's Feet

[StewartMo]

Hello Mumsnet

We are a group of foot and ankle researchers interested in the growth and development of children’s feet.

We are currently planning a 5 year research project in which we are looking to: (1) speak to parents and health professionals about children’s feet; (2) measure the changes in children’s feet as they grow.

We will be looking to invite parents to be part of this project but thought it would be useful to gather some opinions on this as we plan the work. Your thoughts would be useful on the following:
• Have you had any concerns about your child's/children's feet?
• What are the main concerns you've had?
• Where do you go for information on your child's/children's feet?
• Are there any specific issues you think we should investigate?

Thanks for taking the time to read this post. If you are interested, we will keep you up-to-date with the development of this project.

Best wishes
Stewart Morrison (University of East London) and Chris Nester (University of Salford)

1. Yes
2. Getting shoes that fit & are supportive for a wide foot with a high instep. Also concerns about hyper flexible feet, issues surrounding high arches & pronation.
3. Dance teacher & physio
4. The issues surrounding types of footwear & their effects eg. "Ballet pumps"

On phone, so can't check the order of the questions but, yes, I have had concerns with my eldest son.

Wide fitting, and high instep made it hard to buy shoes when younger.

When he started to play sports, we found it very hard to find football boots and tennis trainers that fit. To get the width, we have to go up a size and he frequently has blisters and areas of skin rubbed away on his toes.

Tried numerous shops, but no other professional.

Sounds like similar issues that we have sunny except dd dances rather than plays sport.

Because she now attends a full time dance school we have access to physio advice. It took weeks to get her pointe shoes sorted though.

But she's now 13 & wants dressy, heeled shoes which we can't find.