Foot development and footcare is important. Changes in the shape, structure and function of feet occur throughout infancy, childhood and into late adolescence. During infancy (birth – two-years-old), there are rapid changes in foot size and shape.
Health visitors can play a key role in promoting healthy foot development and foot hygiene, key to supporting infants as they begin to stand, learn to walk and explore their world. Understanding about how feet change in size, structure and shape is helpful to convey positive health messages and reassurance where needed.
Health visitors are also likely to encounter a range of queries related to children’s feet and motor development, and it is important to understand local procedures and referral pathways for managing these – see our iHV Good Practice Points and Motor Development Toolkit for more information.
iHV Resources
📃 Good Practice Points and Parent Tips
Developed in collaboration with topic experts, health visitors, and other professionals, our resources draw on the latest available evidence at the time of publication. Each resource is produced through a robust quality assurance process and peer reviewed to ensure accuracy, relevance, and strong alignment with health visiting practice.
