Tippy toes make strong feet

November 8, 2:56 PMCleveland Kids' Nutrition & Exercise ExaminerDiane Massad

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Walking on the heels makes youngsters' feet strong.
Kidskills International

The patter of little feet...ah, that is what one can envision before a person becomes a parent.

Once that padded pair are put to use for locomotion...a parent's life is never the same!

And that is wonderful but please try to use the daily scooting about times to build your youngster's feet. Strong feet includes:

• use of ankles
• use of both outer edge and inner edges of feet
• ability to walk on heels
• ability to walk on tiptoes
• ability to balance on 1/2 toes
• good landing skill
• good take-off for a two foot jump

Surely, some steps build strength and promote the natural development of the muscles and arching support system called the foot. But take a couple of tips for the promotion of healthy feet:

1. Barefoot as much as possible with safety as the prime decision-maker.
2. Take your child's hands [to steady them] while asking them to place their feet side by side.
3. Ask them to touch heels together and big toes touching.
4. Stretch the foot to TIP TOE position.
5. Hold that stretch.
6. Lower to floor.
7. Repeat slowly, pressing heels together at the HIGH position.
8. Rest. Repeat with a rhythm or to music.

The soles of the feet are saturated with nerve endings that gather information to send to the brain. This data tells the brain how much to contract the muscles and how to align the skeletal system. Follow the ideas in this training video.

The simple task of standing on tiptoes is a super way to make strong feet. 

Try this simple pattern:

1. Walk forward on the heels for 4 counts.
2. Walk forward on the tiptoes for 4 counts.
3. Roll the feet to the outside edges: walk forward 4 steps.
4. Roll the feet to the inside edges: walk forward 4 steps.

The last task will be hard to do at first but it will really improve the foot's strength and flexibility.

If your child needs a little workout plan, write me. We can develop a brief routine that can be practiced at home: the two of you:  kid and caregiver.  The work will make clear that physical health is very important to you as you give your time and the bonus is that your child will gain skills and mastery.