Children’s Foot Issues
Childhood can be the birthplace of lifelong mobility issues suffered in adulthood.
Ankle and foot issues are common in children. Parents often think their children will simply outgrow foot problems naturally.
Genetics plays a part in these issues, but many result from over-exertion in physical activity. If a child loses interest in games or sport, the hidden cause may be foot or leg pain. Sudden disinterest is often overlooked as a symptom. Interestingly, children tend not to pay much attention to persistent or chronic foot pain either - until it’s really bad. They tend to believe, like their parents have said to them “you will grow out of it.” So a child’s response is to avoid activity. But in many cases it is wise to seek advice before irreparable damage sets in. This page is published by My Family Podiatrist to assist parents with insights into what’s useful to know when detecting and managing the footcare of their children.
We can help with …
• Athletes foot
• Bursitis
• Bunion pain and hammer toes
• Chronic Injury Management and Pain
• Circulation issues
• Inflammation
• Diabetes
• Flat Feet or High Arches
• Disabilities
• Corns, Callus and Persistent Blisters
• Cracked or Split heels
• Children or Toddler’s issues
• Repetitive strain injury
• Shin Splints
• Sweaty or Smelly feet
• Iliotibial Band Syndrome
• Deformed or thickened
Toenails
• Warts
• Fungal nail
• Ingrown Toenails
• Foot/leg Infections or wounds
• Sprains, Strains and Swelling
• Footwear issues
• Biomechanical issues and Gait problems
• Faster healing for sports people
• Foot and Leg Health Assessments
• Tendon Pain
• Parkinson’s Disease and Foot issues
• Ankle and Foot arthritis
• Mobility issues
• Home visits
Specific Foot Issues in Children
Flat Feet
• are generally inherited. Flat feet lack arches, which affects walking, balance and physical stability. Flatfeet can vary in degrees of pain but can easily be treated with orthotic therapy. Your podiatrist will be able to demonstrate to your child how to perform the exercises needed to stretch calf muscles and alleviate the pain and tension that is associated with flatfeet syndrome.
Cramping or Limping
• A painful heel syndrome has a name: “Sever’s Disease”. It usually affects children who are quite active in sport. It is a growth plate disturbance.
• Sever’s Disease includes sporadic or consistent pain under or at the back of the heel. If timely treatment is not sought, the afflicted child will limp as the conditions worsens. It is an issue that needs intervention.
Growth Plate Injuries
• common in active children usually stem from foot or ankle injuries. The growth plate may become damaged from breaks or sprains resulting in bone deformity or diminished or negligible bone production.
Bunions
• are as common in children as adults. Formed by increased motion of the arch region, they result in bumps on the inside of the ball of the foot. Bunions can be painful and ultimately result in deviation of the big toe against the second toe. Wearing regular shoes can also enhance the pain and strictly limit activities and sports. Growth plate surgical procedures are administered to correct the improper bunion or abnormal growth in the foot. This procedure is only minimally evasive and designed for children between 8-13 years of age.
Club Foot
• Clubfoot usually occurs at birth and can be diagnosed via ultrasound. About a week after birth, a treatment using a special casting technique is applied. The newborn wears the cast for the first two months and then prescription shoes up to 4 years of age. Some toddlers need a special bar for mobility and walking. A Foot Health Assessment for your child will reveal any subsequent issues. Your podiatrist will then refer you to relevant medical professionals for assistance.
• Pain and stiffness and subsequent disinterest in sport: Tarsal conditions tend to affect older children between the ages of 8 and 13. They emanate from devolving joints, which are fused together via a bone bridge. Pain and stiffness will decrease your child’s interest in activities and games quite dramatically.
Children’s Feet Join Free
As a client of My Family Podiatrist, you are someone who cares about foot health and long term mobility and so your partners’ and/or your children’s Foot Health Assessment is gap free. Knowing that ‘feet run in families” we want to encourage you to get to your youngsters’ foot issues early. Knowledge gives you the power to intervene and correct. This is a gift to last a life time - better feet and biomechanical health.
Take the first step!