Dangers Of Wheeled Shoes In Children
Rolling shoes are an accessory that children often love, but parents often do not assess what damage or accidents they can cause. It is important to bear in mind that, although they are fashionable and fun, they can harm the little one if their use becomes a habit.
Dangers of Rolling Shoes in Children
When children put on this type of shoe, the tread is caused to be different, as if they were wearing a 4-5 centimeter high heel. This means that the weight of the body is not distributed correctly and an overload is generated in the heel and forefoot area.
In addition, it has other consequences, such as:
- Over time, injuries such as metatarsalgia or shortening of the posterior muscle chain can occur .
- There is less support surface, which makes the support more unstable.
- By spending so much time with these shoes, the child could modify his footprint.
- There is a high probability that the child will fall due to the instability of the shoes.
Roller shoes or skates?
Although it may seem strange, there are big differences between shoes with wheels and skates. This is mainly due to the fact that skates are generally used for recreation, while slippers are often used – wrongly – as everyday footwear.
This does not mean that skates are not dangerous, they are dangerous too and should be used under supervision. However, unlike shoes with wheels, they are usually more recommended. Also, when using skates the child wears protection, unlike with shoes.
What should be the right footwear for the child?
Appropriate for a child’s footwear is that 70% of the body weight is supported on the heel and the other 30% on the forefoot. This type of footwear causes the weight to be overloaded on the forefoot by 40% of the total weight, which causes the bones to suffer and produce alterations.
The ideal thing for the little one to have healthy feet is that the footwear fits both the foot and the age and that it goes hand in hand with their growth. Properly fitted shoes will help bones develop naturally and allow feet to grow healthy.
Tips for acquiring the correct footwear
Slippers with wheels can be used when the child is in their recreation time, but it is best to use slippers most of the time according to their growth and development. Here are some important tips for finding the right footwear:
- The shoe must reach below the malleoli (the lateral bones of the ankle); In the case of boots, they must be flexible enough to allow the correct movement of the ankle joints.
- Although parents have selected the ideal footwear, it is important to take into account that it is best for children to use the shoes for only a few hours a day.
- The most suitable model for the child is the one that fits and adapts well enough to the foot. Slippers such as ballerinas or flip flops are harmful, because they create the sensation that the shoe comes off at all times; this causes the toes to do extra work.
- It is essential to try on the shoes with the socks on and pay special attention that there is a gap of between 0.5 and 1.5 centimeters between the longest toe and the shoe. If the fingers rub against the toes, it means that the shoe is too small for the child.
- It is recommended that little ones try on their shoes at the end of the day; This is because the feet are more swollen. When trying them on, you should stand up and confirm that you have the correct support.
- You should not buy shoes that are much larger than the size of the little one; this could alter the way you walk or create blisters.
Conclution
Rolling shoes can be harmful if not used sparingly. Many times, children may want to always have them because it is more fun than wearing conventional sneakers; however, parents should pay special attention and create the habit that they will only be able to use them on certain occasions.
