Understanding Paediatric Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy: A Guide for Parents

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Introduction

Urinary and bowel incontinence can be challenging for both kids and their caregivers. As parents, it’s natural to be concerned about what is considered “normal.” In this guide, we’ll shed light on typical bathroom behaviors based on age and explore how paediatric pelvic floor physiotherapy can be a game-changer in addressing issues related to incontinence.

Normal Bathroom Frequencies:

Understanding typical bathroom habits for different age groups is crucial. 

  • By the age of 5, most kids achieve full bladder control with 4-7 pees a day.
  • Nighttime waking for bathroom visits should decrease by this age, and dry nights usually follow within six months of gaining daytime bladder control.
  • By 12 years old, children should average 4-6 pees per day
  • Regular bowel movements should occur daily to every other day, with stool looking like long squishy snakes.

Urgency in Kids:

Feeling the need to go “RIGHT NOW” is normal until around age 5 or when a child achieves bladder control. If urgency persists, it may indicate overactive bladder muscles or difficulties recognizing early signals from their body.

How Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Can Help:

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized branch of physical therapy tailored to children’s unique needs. At PlayWorks Physio, we focus on empowering kids to understand and control their bodies, ultimately restoring confidence in play.

Holistic Approach:

Our holistic approach addresses various factors contributing to incontinence, such as:

  • Muscle Dysfunction: Pelvic floor physiotherapy assesses and corrects weak or overactive pelvic floor muscles to restore control.
  • Posture and Alignment: We use engaging games to correct posture and alignment issues, promoting overall pelvic health.
  • Coordination and Control: Tailored techniques help children coordinate muscles involved in bladder control based on their developmental stage.
  • Behavior: For children with fears or challenges related to the toilet, we collaborate on problem-solving strategies for success.

Customized Treatment:

Treatment plans vary based on each child’s unique needs. Whether it’s working with neurodiverse children or addressing incontinence in elite teenage athletes, our team is dedicated to finding the best solutions for every situation. If your child is having pee or poop accidents outside of the ages listed above or if they are experiencing constipation, we can help. Also, if you have a child who experiences leaks throughout the day, especially with sports or higher impact activities, a pelvic floor physiotherapist can help. To learn more about physiotherapy for kids, click here.

Conclusion:

At PlayWorks Physio, we believe in providing comprehensive support to help children overcome incontinence challenges. Our paediatric pelvic floor physiotherapy aims to enhance the quality of life for kids, empowering them to embrace play with confidence. If you have concerns about leaks, urgency, or constipation, we’re here to help every step of the way. Click here to book a Pelvic Floor Initial Assessment.

Written By: Kate Heays

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Discover the Power of Rehabilitation Assistants at PlayWorks Physio!

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Discover the Power of Rehabilitation Assistants at PlayWorks Physio!

At PlayWorks Physio, we take pride in offering comprehensive care to our young patients. In our pursuit of excellence, our dedicated Rehabilitation Assistants (RAs) play a pivotal role in ensuring that every child receives the highest quality of care.

The PlayWorks Experience

At PlayWorks Physio, we take pride in offering a holistic approach to pediatric physiotherapy. Our Rehabilitation Assistants contribute significantly to this approach in several ways:

  • 1:1 Personalized Care: Our RAs provide individualized, one-on-one sessions, guaranteeing that your child’s unique needs are met with precision and dedication.
  • Bringing Fun into Therapy: With creativity and enthusiasm, our RAs implement the physiotherapist’s plan in ways that actively engage children, ensuring that therapy is a delightful and enjoyable experience.
  • Flexible Scheduling: Busy family life is a reality. That’s why we offer flexible scheduling, making it easier to find a convenient therapy time.
  • Community Outreach: Recognizing that therapy doesn’t always necessitate a clinic visit, our RAs work with children in the familiar and comfortable environment of their own homes and communities.
  • Pool Therapy Expertise: For those who find aquatic therapy beneficial, our RAs play a pivotal role. They assist physiotherapists during pool therapy sessions, helping children build water confidence, strength, and work toward their physiotherapy goals.
  • Biking and Playground Skills: We go beyond traditional therapy by supporting children in acquiring vital life skills like biking and mastering the playground. This promotes independence and self-assurance.

How to Get Started

If you believe your child could benefit from the support of a Rehabilitation Assistant, and are already a patient, we encourage you to discuss this option with your physiotherapist. They will be able to guide you through the process and help you decide if working with an RA is the right choice for your child’s unique needs. If you are not a current patient, please book an Initial Assessment with one of our physiotherapists, prior to working with a Rehab Assistant.

Once you’ve decided to work with a Rehabilitation Assistant, we’ll be delighted to assist you in scheduling your sessions. Our team will ensure that you and your child have a personalized and rewarding experience during your time with PlayWorks Physio.

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Step Into Summer: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Kids’ Footwear

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Introduction:

Summer is here, and it’s time to find the perfect footwear for your little adventurers! At PlayWorks Physio, we know that keeping your kids’ feet comfortable and supported is essential for their summer escapades. So, let’s dive into our ultimate summer footwear guide, packed with tips to ensure happy feet during all the seasonal fun!

  1. Secure Straps for Sandals: When choosing sandals, opt for those with secure straps that keep them firmly in place. Straps around the ankle or over the top of the foot offer extra stability. This ensures that your child’s sandals stay on during their energetic escapades. No more worrying about lost shoes while they explore!
  2. Flexible Soles for Natural Movement: Look for footwear with flexible soles that allow for natural foot movement. A sole that easily bends and flexes mimics the barefoot experience, promoting healthy foot development. Ensure that the flex point of the shoe aligns with where your child’s foot naturally bends. This supports their growing feet while they frolic in the sun.
  3. Right Size Matters: Fit is crucial when it comes to summer footwear. Avoid shoes or sandals that are too big, as they can hinder proper foot movement and cause discomfort. Choose footwear that provides a snug, yet comfortable fit. Remember to leave a little room for growth, but ensure the shoes don’t slide around, disrupting their summer adventures.
  4. Flip Flops: Perfect for Poolside Comfort: Flip flops are a summer favorite, but it’s important to use them wisely. Reserve them for poolside lounging or activities where your child won’t be walking extensively. Flip flops lack the support and stability of other footwear options, making them less suitable for active adventures. Choose comfort over fashion when it comes to flip flops!
  5. Active Adventures Call for Running Shoes: For the active and on-the-go kids, running shoes are always a reliable choice. Opt for lightweight options with flexible soles and breathable materials. These features provide optimal comfort and support for all their energetic pursuits. Running shoes keep their feet protected while they conquer the playground, chase bubbles, or embark on summer explorations.

Conclusion:

As you gear up for a summer filled with outdoor excitement, remember that choosing the right footwear is key to your child’s comfort and foot health. Secure straps, flexible soles, proper fit, and appropriate shoe choices like running shoes or sandals are essential factors to consider. By following these summer footwear tips, you can guarantee happy feet and worry-free fun throughout the sunny season.

However, if your child experiences any foot pain or discomfort during their summer adventures, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment at PlayWorks Physio. Our experienced team of paediatric physiotherapists is here to provide expert care and support. Reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s foot health. Let’s ensure their summer is filled with endless smiles and pain-free steps!

Wishing you and your little adventurers a summer full of joy, laughter, and endless happy feet!

  • The PlayWorks Physio Team
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Play and Thrive: How Paediatric Physiotherapy at PlayWorks Physio Makes Healing Fun!

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Welcome to PlayWorks Physio, where we know that play is the key to unlocking a child’s full potential! Our paediatric physiotherapy services are all about making therapy sessions fun, engaging, and effective. Say goodbye to boring exercises, because at PlayWorks Physio, we believe that play truly works wonders! So, let’s dive in and explore how our approach to paediatric physiotherapy is different from traditional adult physiotherapy.

Play, Play, Play – It’s How We Roll!

At PlayWorks Physio, we’ve got a secret trick for helping kids heal – play! Our physiotherapists are experts in incorporating play into therapy sessions to make them enjoyable and motivating for kids. We use games, activities, and creative exercises that are tailored to each child’s age, interests, and developmental stage. From building obstacle courses to playing with balls and bubbles, our therapy sessions are like playdates where kids can have a blast while improving their motor skills, strength, balance, and coordination.

Childhood Adventures: From Crawling to Conquering!

At PlayWorks Physio, we understand that every child’s journey is unique. Our paediatric physiotherapy services are designed to address the specific developmental stages and milestones that kids go through, from crawling to conquering new physical challenges. We work closely with parents and caregivers to create a customized treatment plan that takes into consideration their child’s growth, development, and goals. Whether it’s helping a baby learn to crawl, a toddler walk, or a young athlete recover from an injury, our physiotherapists are there to provide expert care and guidance every step of the way.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: We’re In This Together!

At PlayWorks Physio, we believe that teamwork makes the dream work! We work closely with parents and caregivers to create a collaborative and family-centered approach to therapy. We provide education, support, and resources to empower parents and caregivers to actively participate in their child’s therapy at home and in their daily activities. We’re all about building a strong partnership with families to ensure that kids receive the best care possible.

Expert Fun-Makers: Our Physiotherapists Rock!

Our physiotherapists at PlayWorks Physio are not only experts in child development and behaviour, but they’re also expert fun-makers! They know how to engage kids, create a positive environment, and turn therapy sessions into enjoyable adventures. Our physiotherapists have a bag of tricks that includes creative exercises, playful activities, and lots of high-fives to keep kids motivated and excited about their therapy journey. We’re not your typical boring therapy sessions – we’re all about having fun while achieving therapy goals!

So, if you’re looking for a paediatric physiotherapy clinic that knows how to make healing fun, PlayWorks Physio is the place to be! Our play-based approach, child-centered care, family-centered approach, and expert fun-makers are what set us apart. CLICK HERE to join our team and embark on a play-filled adventure towards your child’s optimal physical development and well-being. Let’s play and thrive together!

 

#PlayWorksPhysio #PlayAndThrive #ChildhoodAdventures #TeamworkMakesTheDreamWork #ExpertFunMakers #PhysiotherapyForKids #PlayTherapyApproach #ChildHealth #FamilyCenteredCare #PaediatricPhysiotherapy #BecausePlayWorks

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The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching Your Child to Ride a Bike

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Learning how to ride a bike is an exciting milestone to reach but getting started can be scary. Here is how to get your child to become a confident and safe bike rider.

 

Balance Bike 

A balance bike is a perfect place to start for your young one if they are not ready for the pedals. If you already have a pedal bike, remove the pedals from the crank arms of the bike to use it as a balance bike! This is a great option if your child needs to get comfortable being independent on a two-wheeler. Your child will learn how to balance on a two-wheel bike, which is a prerequisite to a pedal bike.

 

Getting started: 

  1. Your child’s feet should be flat on the ground when they sit on the bike saddle. Ensure that the seat height is low enough for them to ride safely and independently.
  2. Pick a lighter weight bike. Heavier bikes will be more challenging to maintain balance.
  3. Start your child sitting on the bike, helmet on, hands on handlebars, and feet flat on the ground.
  4. Start walking to roll the bike! Motivate them to do this as independentely as possible. Comfort levels around the bike will vary, so patience and positive affirmations are key!
  5. As they build confidence, motivate them to pick up the pace, and try to lift their feet off the ground for a moment to let the bike roll! This is where the balance practice comes in. Rolling down driveways or grassy hills is a great way for them to easily pick up speed and learn the feel of gliding and balancing.
  6. If they don’t have handle-bar breaks, they will have to use their feet to stop. A game of red-light/green light is perfect for practicing stopping control.
  7. Master the balance bike with turning. Start with small S turns while walking, and then try it with some speed. Build momentum, lift the feet, and attempt small, controlled turns.
  8. Be patient – every kiddo learns at their own pace. With a little, or a lot of practice, your child will be pedal-ready. Your child can upgrade to pedals when they can confidently balance while rolling long distances on the bike.

 

Pedal Bike 

If your child feels confident balancing while rolling and can control the balance bike while turning and stopping, it is time to graduate to try a pedal bike! If you decide to skip the balance bike and hop right onto a pedal bike, it is still beneficial to build balance skills on the bike by lowering the seat so they can practice balancing while the bike is rolling.

 

10 Steps for Success:

  1. Safety first! Be sure to strap on a helmet. The helmet should fit snug and not wobble when your child shakes their head. Wear closed-toe shoes. Flip flops are not a safe biking option, even in the summer.
  2. For set up, the seat height should be low enough that your child can have their feet flat on the ground, but their knees should be straight. As your child progresses, you can raise the seat height, so they have a slight knee bend when their foot is placed on the pedal when the pedal is at its lowest position.
  3. Practice getting on and off the bike. Tip: Use the hand break to prevent the bike from rolling while mounting or dismounting.
  4. Practice breaking. If your child prefers the pedal break, get them to practice the back pedal motion while stationary. You can progress this by supporting the bike and slowly rolling while they practice breaking. Red-light/Green-light game is a fun activity for this.
  5. Try turning while stationary. Make sure your child is comfortable with keeping the handlebars straight and controlled turning before doing it on a moving bike.
  6. It is time to start pedalling. One foot should be on the ground and the other should be placed on a pedal. This pedal should be positioned at about 10 o’clock. The child will push off with their foot from the ground and press down on the pedal to start rolling the bike. Give support by holding at their shoulders or on the bike seat and help push them forward to get some momentum.
  7. Bikes balance with momentum, so motivate them to get a little speed or ride down a slope. The faster they pedal, the easier it is to maintain their balance.
  8. “Look where you are going” is a great cue to remind your kid to keep their head up to prevent crashes and looking down at their pedals makes balancing very difficult.
  9. If your kiddo is swerving around, a good reminder is to “keep your elbows straight!” This will prevent turning. Reminding them to look where they are going is also helpful.
  10. Add in controlled turning by going through a line of cones. Start by giving lots of space between each cone and get your child to master the skill by moving the cones closer together.

 

Learning to ride is a huge accomplishment, but it can be frustrating, so celebrate all the wins along the way. Everybody learns new skills at their own pace, so be patient and have fun. Our clinic is excited to be introducing a learn to bike program in the spring to help kids at various skill levels become safe and confident riders!

If you would like to book an assessment with a physiotherapist to work on balance, strength and coordination to help with biking, click here!

 

Written by: Kristin McElroy, BSc. Kin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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What is Pool Therapy?

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Pool Therapy

Pool Therapy (also known as hydrotherapy or aquatic therapy) is physical rehabilitation that is performed in the water. It utilizes the concepts of buoyancy, turbulence, and increased resistance to movement that cannot be re-created on land. It is a popular treatment for a variety of neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. 

What are the benefits?

  • Facilitates muscle relaxation
  • Reduces joint stiffness and improves joint range of motion
  • Reduces swelling
  • Allows for progressive weight bearing on painful joints
  • Improves muscle strength and stability
  • Improves balance, motor planning, and coordination
  • Improves cardiovascular endurance
  • Facilitates recovery after injury or surgery
  • Promotes community participation, independence & social development

Why do kids come for pool therapy?

  • To improve their confidence in the water
  • As an alternative way to strengthen muscles
  • To practice weight bearing positions in the water (the lack of gravity reduces pressure on the joints)
  • Achieving a variety of physical goals while engaging in FUN games and activities!

What does a pool session look like?

Treatment takes place at a community pool with a physiotherapist. Sessions are packed with fun games and activities that are designed to improve muscle strength, balance, coordination, cardiovascular endurance, and more!

Are you interested in pool therapy? At PlayWorks Physio, we provide individualized, 1-on-1 pool therapy with a physiotherapist to meet your child’s needs and help them work towards their goals. 

For more information or if you would like to book an initial assessment, click here or send us an email at hello@playworksphysio.com. An initial assessment in-clinic is required prior to sessions in the pool.

 

Written by: Melanie Touhey, Interim Physiotherapist

 

 

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Pre-habilitation: Let’s Prevent Hockey Injuries!

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Can We Prevent Injuries in Hockey Players?

It’s fall, which means that school and sports are back in full swing! This often leads to some pain and injuries in athletes, as they are thrown into training, try-outs and games. In youth hockey, we see injuries such as concussions, knee pain, groin injuries and shoulder injuries. See the chart below for a breakdown of these injuries and the top 3 highest percentage of injuries.

Injury area Males Females
Head/ Neck 25.1% 28.4%
Arms/ shoulders/ wrist 45.2% 39.2%
Legs (hips/ knee/ groin/ ankle) 21.4% 23.2%

(Forward et al., 2014).

With all sports, some injuries happen because we can’t control all aspects of the sport and other players. However, we do know that improved reaction time, muscular strength, muscular endurance and joint range of motion can help us LIMIT the risk of injuries. 

For hockey players, some key areas for injury prevention are:

  • Shoulder Stability
  • Hip strength and Stability
  • Lateral Movements
  • Core Stability
  • Reaction Time

Are Breaks in Activity Beneficial?

In an article looking at the number of injuries in players who took a break mid-season, it showed that winter break caused an increase in injuries by 2.5x as compared to years with no winter break. This article highlights that long periods of rest, followed by full return to sport, causes higher risk of injuries. We want to use this time during winter break to continue to be active, to use prehab exercises to our advantage, and to spend some time doing some cross training (training in another way or with another sport) (Rees et al., 2022).

Can Physio Help?

Overall, it is extremely important to make sure that your athlete’s muscles are working efficiently, are strong enough to support the demands of the sport and that your athlete is familiar with proper warm up and cool down techniques. Physiotherapy can help with injury prevention by improving the strength and mechanics of the most common injury areas for hockey.

If your child is playing hockey this season, are they ready for activity? 

At PlayWorks Physio, we offer injury prevention group classes for hockey players! Contact us at hello@playworksphysio.com for more info.

If you would like to schedule a 1 on 1 assessment with one of our paediatric physiotherapists click here.

Written by, Darrien Cantelo, MScPT, BSc, Physiotherapist.

 

Forward, K. E., Seabrook, J. A., Lynch, T., Lim, R., Poonai, N., & Sangha, G. S. (2014). A comparison of the epidemiology of ice hockey injuries between male and female youth in Canada. Paediatrics & Child Health, 19(8), 418–422. https://doi.org/10.1093/pch/19.8.418 

Rees, H., McCarthy Persson, U., Delahunt, E., Boreham, C., & Blake, C. (2022). Winter breaks: How do they affect injuries in field hockey? Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2022.08.004 

 

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What is Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)?

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What is Developmental Coordination Disorder?

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a motor skill disorder that affects roughly 5-6% of school aged kids (5 years and up), with boys being affected at a 2:1 ratio to girls. DCD is commonly described as kids who show awkward, clumsy movements in their day to day.

Often parents or teachers will notice the child having a hard time keeping up with their peers, having difficulty doing tasks that involve one or more movements and/or are delayed in gross motor skills such as jumping, skipping and ball skills. Kiddos with DCD have difficulty planning out tasks, they know what they want to achieve, but they struggle to find the map to get there.  

Common tasks parents notice these children may find difficulty with are as follows:

  • Bike riding: some parents may notice that they can peddle on the bike once on, but they lack the planning to stop, and get off the bike smoothly. 
  • Skipping: arguably one of the most difficult tasks for kids to learn, they have a difficult time skipping as it takes coordination of the arms and legs at the same time.
  • Shuffling: these may be seen during activities such as team sports and warm ups, a difficult. 
  • Ball skills: kids may have difficulty catching and throwing balls with accuracy.

 

How can Paediatric Physiotherapists help with DCD?

We can help by giving REPETITIVE PRACTICE! As adults, we know we get better with practice, often these kids need blocked practice to improve a skill. We can help by identifying a specific goal, give them strategies on how to get there and work on each component of that skill. We give repetitive practice to allow these kids to build that road map from point A to point B. 

We can also perform a movement screening (The Movement ABC), to help determine if your child appears to have a coordination disorder. Book your assessment here.

Things that can help at home:

  • HEAVY PLAY! Fill up a toy shopping cart and push it, pulling a sibling on a bed sheet etc, these tasks help turn on muscles that are often limited. 
  • Give them a plan: If your kid forgets to put on their socks every time before they put on their boots- put a picture of a sock by their boots so they have a visual of what they need to do.
  • Encourage your little one to remain active, whether it’s individual sports, team sports or another activity they choose. These kids can often become discouraged if sports don’t look the same for them as they do for their peers, encourage them to stay active and have fun!

 

If you have any questions, or concerns that your child may have a coordination disorder, we can help! Click here to book your assessment.

Written By: Darrien Cantelo, Physiotherapist

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Common Swimming Injuries in Kids/Teens

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A Swim-pressive Sport

Competitive swimming is a physically demanding sport that requires strength, endurance, speed, and agility.  Training includes repetitive drills to develop effective stroke techniques.  Most swimming injuries are caused by overuse and/or faulty stroke mechanics.

A Deeper Dive into Swimming Injuries

Common injuries include:

  • “Swimmer’s Shoulder”: injury to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, or cartilage in the shoulder joint
  • “Swimmer’s Knee”: injury to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, or cartilage in the knee joint
  • Neck and low back pain

Water the Causes of Swimming Injuries?

  • Overtraining
  • Poor stroke mechanics
  • Poor breathing technique
  • Poor flexibility or range of motion
  • Decreased muscle strength
  • Poor core strength or stability

How Can Physiotherapy Help Your Rehab Go Swimmingly?

At PlayWorks Physio, we can help provide education on proper warm up and cool down strategies, to improve or prevent injuries. Our physiotherapists can create a plan to improve flexibility, strength, endurance and improve stroke mechanics. Addressing all of these areas can help prevent future injuries and pain. In addition to the repetitive nature of swimming, kids are constantly growing and their bodies are changing. This makes them more prone to different types of pain and injuries! We always suggest addressing pain sooner, to have faster recovery and prevent more severe injury.

If you have a swimmer who is experiencing pain, has a current/recurring injury or you want to be preventative, you can book your Initial Assessment here.

 

Written by: Melanie Touhey, Interim Physiotherapist

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5 Tips For Choosing Shoes For Your Toddler

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5 tips for choosing shoes for your toddler

 

Choosing shoes for your toddler can be overwhelming! There are so many brands and styles to choose from. The shoes you put your toddler in can impact their foot development, arch development and overall comfort. Here are 5 important tips to consider the next time you are choosing shoes for your little one:

 

  1. A wide toe box. You want to ensure that the front part of the shoe (the toe box) is wide enough to fully allow your child’s foot to splay/spread out when they are walking. This is important for their balance and both the structural and muscular development of their feet.
  2. A flexible sole. You should be able to easily bend the shoe when you are pushing from the toe and the heel. This will allow their feet to move more naturally while they are walking and promote the development of their arches by allowing their intrinsic foot muscles to engage.
  3. Firm heel cup. The heel cup should be firm – if you pinch the heel of the shoe, it should maintain shape. This will provide adequate support for your child’s feet.
  4. The right size. It’s important to have shoes that fit your child properly, resist the urge to buy shoes that are too big!  The “flex point” of the shoe should line up with where their foot bends when walking. If a shoe is too big, then these two spots will not align. Their feet will be less supported in a larger shoe and can also lead to more tripping and ankle injuries.
  5. Secured. Having shoes with velcro or laces are ideal to make sure they fit snugly on your child’s feet. This will prevent “toe gripping” and decrease tripping. Toe gripping happens when shoes are too big or aren’t secured onto the foot well enough. It can lead to instability and over time lead to foot or leg pain.

 

Proper footwear is so important, especially in the early years! If you have any questions please reach out, we are always happy to help! 

 

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