**Resources Available to Better Understand the Child’s Foot

From the child’s birth, the foot and ankle are constantly changing.

The foot and ankle are constantly changing. Bones in the feet begin to develop within the first six weeks of pregnancy, and bones in the feet continue to grow until about age 14 for girls and 18 for boys. At birth, a newborn's foot is only one-fourth of its adult size. As they grow, their feet will change shape again as muscles develop and lengthen. Ligaments loosen and tighten, tendons become tauter, joints stiffen with age (which can cause pain), skin becomes thicker (which causes calluses), and fat pads increase or decrease depending on activity level.

The foot and ankle are delicate structures comprising 26 bones (each foot), 33 joints, 19 muscles and more than 100 ligaments.

The foot and ankle are delicate structures, made up of 26 bones (each foot), 33 joints, 19 muscles and more than 100 ligaments. The shape and function of your child's feet depend on their genetics and how they move around the world. The quality of shoesthey wear also impacts the development of their bones and muscles.

The foot is a complex structure — with multiple joints, bones and ligaments all working together to provide balance and support for your child's weight throughout their day-to-day activities. When something isn't quite right in this system—whether due to injury or because our feet aren't designed for certain activities—there can be lasting effects. Pain or discomfort makes it difficult for children to fully participate in sports or other physical activities throughout their childhood.

Bones in the feet begin to develop within the first six weeks of pregnancy and continue to grow until about age 14 for girls and 18 for boys.

The bones in the foot begin to develop within the first six weeks of pregnancy. They continue to grow until about age 14 for girls and 18 for boys. The bones that make up your child's feet are made up of calcium and phosphorus, a very important mineral that helps build strong teeth and bones.

Bone health begins at birth! Proper nutrition plays an essential role in building strong, healthy bones. Your body needs vitamin D, calcium and magnesium to help keep your bones strong throughout life. Calcium is important because it helps strengthen your child's skeleton by ensuring enough calcium is stored where necessary (in the bones) without excess being stored elsewhere, such as in soft tissue like blood vessels or organs. Without the correct calcium storage within the bones, health issues later in life can occur, such as high blood pressure or heart disease.

The American College of Foot and Ankle Pediatrics recommends that a young child's first visit be at six months or when they first begin walking.

The American College of Foot and Ankle Pediatrics recommends that a young child's first visit be at six months or when they first begin walking.

• You will meet with a pediatric podiatrist who specializes in treating children's feet at the appointment.
• You can ask questions about any concerns you have about your child’s foot health, such as:
• How do I know which shoes my child needs?
• What if my child still has flat feet or flexible ankles?
• What can I do at home to support and strengthen my child's feet?