Health Tip: Buying Shoes for Your Child

(HealthDay News) -- A child's feet can grow rapidly, so don't ever assume that your child still needs the same shoe size as last time.

The American Podiatric Medical Association offers these additional shoe-shopping suggestions:

• Measure your child's feet before every new shoe purchase, no matter how recently the feet were last measured.
• Make sure the child is wearing typical socks as he or she is trying on shoes.
• Inspect the child's feet for any signs of irritation after trying on new shoes.
• Avoid buying secondhand shoes, which could spread a fungal infection.
• Inspect the heels of your child's existing shoes to look for signs of uneven wear. If found, it could indicate a foot problem that should be checked.
• Let your child participate in the shoe-shopping experience.
• Choose the size that accommodates the child's largest foot.
• Make sure the shoes are comfortable in the store.