The Importance of Foot Muscle Development Before Wearing Shoes
Our foot muscles, particularly those that assist in developing the arch, play a vital role in providing stability during standing, walking, and other movements. These muscles, when developed properly, help increase load capacity during running and provide joint stability during single-leg stance activities.
During typical child development, children begin pulling into standing at a surface, then move side to side at that surface, and eventually transition to standing without support. Most children start walking independently between 9 and 15 months.
A common question parents ask during this stage of mobility development is, “When should my child start wearing shoes?”
When Should Babies Wear Shoes?
Shoes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from narrow to wide toe boxes and flexible to stiff materials. While choosing the right shoe is important for continued development, timing is equally crucial.
Many parents may want to put their child in shoes as soon as they begin pulling to stand. However, this is a key time for foot muscle development, especially for the arch, which separates us from quadrupedal mammals and primates. If the longitudinal arch of the foot doesn’t have enough time to develop, it can impact a child’s ability to walk, run, and perform advanced gross motor skills like hopping or skipping.
The Best Time to Introduce Shoes
A good time to start using shoes is once your child has been walking independently for a while and uses walking as their primary mode of mobility. Even then, it’s important to allow your child to spend time without shoes to promote further muscle development. Encourage activities like running, jumping, and single-leg balance exercises without shoes to strengthen foot muscles.
There are many types of shoes that support new walkers while still encouraging proper muscle development. One trusted brand is Stride Rite: Stride Rite SR Tech.
How to Strengthen Foot Muscles in Toddlers and Children
Building strong foot muscles is essential to healthy physical development. Below are exercises designed to promote proper foot muscle growth for both new walkers and older children.
Foot Strengthening Exercises for New Walkers:
- Single-Leg Balance with Support: Hold up one leg while your child shifts over their other leg and balances on one foot with support from a surface. Progress by having them squat to pick up a toy while maintaining this position.
- Balance on Uneven Surfaces: Have your child stand on uneven surfaces (e.g., pillows, cushions, or a balance pad) and reach overhead or outside of their base of support.
- Walk on Uneven Terrain: Encourage walking across different textures such as grass, sand, or other uneven surfaces to challenge foot muscles.
Foot Strengthening Exercises for Older Children:
- Towel Scrunches: Have your child sit or stand with their heel on a towel. Without moving their heel, have them use their toes to scrunch and pull the towel towards them.
- Toe Grasping: While standing on one leg, your child can pick up small objects like cotton balls with the toes of their other foot, releasing the object into a basket while maintaining balance.
- Heel Raises: Encourage your child to stand on their toes for at least 10 seconds. For an added challenge, have them perform this on one leg or while standing on an uneven surface.
Conclusion
Allowing children time to strengthen their foot muscles before wearing shoes is crucial for proper development. Wearing shoes too early may hinder the natural formation of the foot’s arch and affect a child’s ability to walk and perform other gross motor skills. Follow the recommended exercises to help your child build strong, healthy feet for a lifetime of mobility. If you have concerns about your child’s foot development, Kids Place Pediatric Therapy in Arizona is here to help.
