Bradworthy News - April 2000

This little piggy, by Barbara Ovens

…or 10 interesting facts on foot development!

By the 9th week, the baby in the womb begins to grow the thighs, legs and feet.
By the 7th month, the baby in the womb has developed the long arches of the feet.
At birth, the feet appear to be flat. This is because of a fatty pad which is gradually absorbed as growth proceeds during the first year.
Muscles of the legs and feet are developed by kicking. Legs should not be restricted by clothing, covers or bedclothes.
A child's foot is not a smaller model of an adults foot. It is shorter and wider. The hindfoot is less fully developed than the forefoot.
The shape or the foot is not finally determined until growth finishes at about 20 years of age.
Adult shoe size is generally reached by the age of 14.
Feet grow rapidly during the first 2 to 3 years of life, slowing down at 4 years and then spurting again at 7 years. Thereafter, growth is retarded until puberty.
Maximum barefooted activity on surfaces such as grass, sand and carpets stimulate muscle activity and development.
Feet must be measured very regularly during the growing period. Too tight babygros, socks, and footwear can cause bunions, hammer toes, corns and nail problems, even in young children.