First Walkers Answers
Our team of experts answers parents' frequently asked questions about their babies' first steps, learning to walk, and the type of footwear they require for healthy growth and development.
Recent Answers
Why Is My Child Limping Without Complain of Pain?
Imagine your lively child suddenly starts limping yet doesn't mention a thing about pain or discomfort. Such unexplained limping in toddlers can send any parent's heart racing. While there may be many reasons behind your kid's limping, you should understand the underlying causes to recognise the early warning signs. By being proactive, you'll quickly address the issue so your little one can return to playing with his friends. Reasons for Limping Children have active lifestyles, and your kid could be limping for several reasons, such as: FractureTight shoesSprainsBlisters Underlying Conditions Here are some conditions that can lead to your little one limping without any apparent signs of pain: OsteoarthritisIrritable hipPerthes’ diseaseSlipped upper femoral epiphysis Did You Know?A less common cause for your child's limp could be Transient Synovitis, otherwise known as toxic synovitis. It's an inflammation of the fluid in the hip joint, occurring after a child has a cold or a viral infection. » Make sure your kids' shoes are appropriately sized How to Tell if a Limp is Serious Identifying the seriousness of your child's limp can be a challenging task. Consider the limping serious when there's no apparent cause or it fails to resolve within a few days. Signs to look out for are: FeverPersistent SwellingNumbnessInability to move or stand on the leg that hurts Note:Toddlers are usually unable to express themselves, which can cause the limping to worsen. If you're in doubt, consult a qualified healthcare professional. Happy Feet Understanding the potential underlying causes and recognising early warning signs is your first line of defence to address potential issues quickly. That is also where the importance of proper footwear comes into play. Orthopaedic shoes, like those offered by First Walkers, are crucial in promoting healthy foot development. By selecting the right pair, you can ensure your kid gets the support and care they need for proper growth.
Asked a month ago
What Makes a Shoe Orthopaedic?
The term orthopaedic shoe may conjure up visions of the functional footwear beloved by grandparents everywhere; they also provide unmatched foot support to kids. Children's feet are still growing and developing, making them particularly vulnerable to foot problems. Orthopaedic shoes can help to prevent and correct them, ensuring proper foot development so they can stay active and healthy. » Make sure your kids' shoes are appropriately sized Key Features of Orthopaedic Shoes Orthopaedic shoes stand out because of the following distinctive characteristics: Supportive Heel Cup: The firmness of the heel cup secures stability, aligning your kid's foot.Durable Outsole and Midsole: More padded and reinforced parts of the shoe that provide support and protection.Wide Toe Boxes: Shoes with wide toe boxes offer room, essential for kids with flat feet.Supportive Design: Orthopaedic shoes fit various foot shapes.Smooth Uppers: Designed to prevent abrasion, these are ideal for forefoot problems such as hammertoes or bunions.Snug Closures: Their easily fastened closures guarantee a snug fit for your kid. The Role of Support Doctors recommend orthopaedic shoes for a reason: their unparalleled support, especially in crucial areas like the arch, heel, and ankle. This level of care can make a difference between comfort and persistent foot, leg, or even back pain. Custom Insoles Pairing orthopaedic shoes with custom insoles can improve foot support because they contour perfectly to individual foot shapes. Plus, they're adjustable, ensuring a snug fit as children's feet grow. Materials Orthopaedic shoes are tested rigorously to ensure optimal support. Some of the most common materials you can find in these types of shoes are: LeatherCorkMESHRubberEVA foamSteel Other materials such as carbon, fibreglass, and plastic may also be used depending on the needs and the shoe's function. Walking the Walk Orthopaedic shoes offer features that ensure the healthy growth of children's feet. Their supportive heel cups, durable outsoles, wide toe boxes, and snug closures give the necessary stability and protection, while custom insoles offer personalised support as children's feet develop. Buying your kid orthopaedic shoes gives them the foundational support needed for a healthy and active lifestyle, helping them to explore the world confidently and comfortably. Consider trying out First Walkers for top-notch support and quality in toddler shoes. Don't hesitate to seek professional guidance if you are unsure about what you want. Remember, happy feet pave the way to a happier kid.
Asked a month ago
Do Knock Knees Affect Height Growth? Unlocking the Connection
Knock knees—the opposite of bowlegs—is a condition where the knees bend inward. It causes an observable gap between the ankles when the knees are together. In contrast, normal leg alignment features knees vertically aligned over the ankles when standing upright. But can the condition affect the height growth of your child? Let's take a look at the connection between knock knees and development. » Check out the best shoes for tippy-toe walkers Connection Between Leg Alignment and Growth Plates Growth plates are thin connective tissue discs at the end of long bones in kids and adolescents—responsible for bone growth and alignment. Over time, they gradually harden, stopping the development altogether. If the growth plates on one leg grow quicker than those on the other side, it can lead to an imbalance in leg length and alignment, potentially worsening the condition. Severe knock knees or injuries can also damage the growth plates, causing them to harden into solid bone prematurely. » Learn the role of arch support in children's foot health Impact of Knock Knees on Growth Plates Knock knees can affect the functioning of growth plates, as the abnormal alignment damages them, making them harden into solid bone earlier. The process then limits the growth of the leg's long bones, limiting your child's overall height. Supporting Your Child's Development While knock knees impact a child's leg alignment and growth plates, approach the issue patiently. Most cases of the condition resolve independently; if you're concerned, consult a healthcare professional. If you want to keep your kid's feet comfortable so they develop naturally, try First Walkers' orthopaedic shoes. They have extra support and stability for little feet, which can help prevent injuries.
Asked a month ago
How to Help Dyspraxic Kids Tie Their Shoes?
Every parent knows the joy and pride of seeing their kid's first steps or hearing their first words. Each milestone is a step toward independence. But what if something as simple as tying shoelaces becomes a challenge? For children with Dyspraxia, this everyday task can be a significant challenge. » Learn how to find the perfect all-season shoe for your kid What is Dyspraxia in Children? Dyspraxia is a chronic condition in which children don't develop age-appropriate motor skills, leading to difficulty with movement, balance, and coordination. Did You Know? While the signs of Dyspraxia may be present early, doctors won't make a definite diagnosis until your kid is about five years old. Challenges Dyspraxic Children Face Some of the challenges that kids with Dyspaxia face include: Difficulties with dressing, writing, and drawing Problems with multitaskingPoor coordination » Check out the common mistakes parents make when buying shoes for their kids How Do You Teach a Child With Dyspraxia to Tie Shoes? Patience is important when teaching your kid to tie their shoes. To help them learn faster, you can do the following: Break down the process into simple and easy-to-follow steps Use videos and diagrams Ask an occupational therapist for support Step-by-Step Shoelace Tying Techniques The Bunny Ear Make a loop in each lace, leaving one slightly longerCross the longer loop over the shorter onePull the shorter loop through the hole in the longer onePull on both laces to tighten The Ninja Remove your shoelaces and thread them from the topPut in a half-knot and cross-thread the shoe all the way down Tie the ends of the lace down at the bottom, then move the slack back up the shoe Pull the laces to tighten the laces to the foot Pull the opposite loops over one another and then cross one back » Find out if shoes with support can help your kid with balance and coordination One Step at a Time Dyspraxia can make fine motor tasks like shoe-tying more challenging. Still, your kid can progress and gain confidence by learning this skill with your encouragement. To make your child's journey easier, have them wear shoes from the First Walkers orthopaedic collection.
Asked a month ago
Do You Need a Prescription for Orthopaedic Shoes?
Orthopaedic shoes for children are designed to provide extra support, protection, and stability to the growing foot. They can help to relieve pain and discomfort, improve mobility, and treat various conditions, including flat feet, high arches, and toe walking. But do you need a prescription for them? » Check out the best kids' shoes for tippy-toe walkers Orthopaedic Shoes: Does Your Kid Need a Prescription? If your child has a medical condition that requires orthopaedic shoes, such as flat feet, knock-knees, or bowlegs, then you will need a prescription from a podiatrist. They can do a thorough examination, considering the child's age, weight, and activity level, before prescribing orthopaedic shoes. On the other hand, If you're looking for comfortable and supportive shoes for your kid that can help prevent foot problems from developing later in life, then you may not need a prescription. Choosing the Right Pair To ensure proper fit and support, select orthopaedic shoes with wide-toe boxes, sturdy heel counters, and firm fasteners. Additionally, allowing room for toe movement and choosing a stylish yet functional design can help boost the child's comfort and confidence. » Take a look at the best kids' shoes with built-in arch support Cost and Insurance The cost of orthopaedic shoes varies widely. While some health insurance plans may cover specific medical conditions, exploring sales or discounts from First Walkers can be an alternative if you're looking for a comfortable shoe for your kid. Ensuring Your Child's Comfort and Progress The duration of orthopaedic shoe usage varies depending on the child's unique foot condition. It's essential to consult with a doctor before considering discontinuation. Complementary therapies like physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, and yoga, along with specific stretching and strengthening exercises, can contribute to the child's overall well-being during the usage of orthopaedic shoes.
Asked a month ago
Related Articles
Recent Posts
Benjamin Aduwo
10 Best Orthopaedic Shoes for Kids With Flat Feet
Babafemi Adebajo
Why Is My Child Limping Without Complain of Pain?
Babafemi Adebajo
Children With Knock Knees: When to Seek Medical Attention
Babafemi Adebajo
What Makes a Shoe Orthopaedic?
Babafemi Adebajo
How to Help Dyspraxic Kids Tie Their Shoes?
Babafemi Adebajo
Do You Need a Prescription for Orthopaedic Shoes?
Malika Yuldasheva
Can Toddlers Get Cramps in Their Feet?
Babafemi Adebajo