We at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists get it: as a parent, you want to make sure your child's shoes stay on, so you pull those shoelaces tight. Really tight. But your child doesn’t say anything. And what happens next? They go all day with tight shoes that bother their feet. It’s a problem as old as school. Keep reading to find out why you should kick it back a notch when tying those laces.
Your child's feet are soft and pliable, and the nerves and tendons on top are very sensitive. When you pull laces too tight, you compress these delicate parts. Your child might complain of their feet falling asleep or feeling tingly and numb.
This constant pressure can also inflame the tendons that lift the toes. This is a condition called extensor tendonitis, which causes pain and tenderness on the top of the foot. If they’re going to school with the same tight laces every day, they may have chronic pain that at least mirrors this tendonitis.
A tight shoe isn't a supportive shoe, but a restrictive one. By tying laces too tightly, you prevent your child's foot from moving through its natural range of motion as they walk, run, and play.
This restriction can cause a gait abnormality or worsen existing ones. In-toeing, out-toeing, and toe walking are all possible compensatory walking patterns that your child could adopt from their improperly fitting shoes. This different movement can also stress their ankles, knees, or even cause them to trip more often.
A shoelace that is too tight can also constrict the blood vessels that supply blood to your child's feet. This can make their feet feel cold or tingly, and can lead to swelling. A child's feet are rapidly growing, and proper blood flow is important for their foot growth and development.
A child's foot is not a mini-adult foot. It's still developing. That’s why constant compression can affect the natural alignment of the foot bones. This can contribute to the development of foot deformities like collapsed arches, especially if there is a genetic predisposition. These issues can become much harder to correct later in life.
We recommend that all parents find that just right tension. Laces should feel snug and secure, but not so tight that they cause any pressure.
A good way to check is to make sure you can easily slide a finger under the laces at the top of your child's foot. You can also teach them to tell you if their feet feel uncomfortable or if their toes feel squished.
For any podiatric concerns you’re dealing with, come see Dr. Hubert Lee and the team at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists for guidance and advice. You can schedule an appointment online or call today at 425-455-0936.
