Keeping Kids Feet Happy

Foot and ankle problems in the child, much like many other ailments, can go unnoticed or undiagnosed for years.  The signs and symptoms can often be subtle and non-descript.  A child may not be able to explain what is wrong, and it may be up to the parents to recognize the symptoms.  Here are a few tips of what to look for.

·         Difficulty keeping up with the other kids may be a sign that something is wrong.  Often children with flatfeet have difficulty with sports and other activities due to early fatigue.  The muscles of the legs and feet can tire easily when they are not functioning properly. 

·         When a child withdraws from a sport or activity that they previously enjoyed, it may be due to pain.  Children will often not state explicitly that their feet hurt, but will rather shy away from sports.  Heel pain in a child between 8 and 14 years old may be caused by inflammation around the growth plate of the calcaneus, or heel bone.  This a treatable condition, and should not cause a child to give up something that they previously enjoyed.

·         If a child trips and falls often, it can indicate in-toeing, balance problems, or neuromuscular conditions.

·         A child not wanting to show you their feet may also be a sign that something is wrong.  Children are often scared of a trip to the doctor’s office, and if something is bothering them, they may not say anything for a while.  Ingrown toenails are notorious for going untreated long enough to become grossly infected in children.  Look for changes in the skin, hair and nails in a child, as well as any callus build-up.  These can be signs of a foot and/or ankle condition. 

·         Obviously, if a child complains of pain in their feet, ankles, or legs, it is a sign that something is wrong.  Particularly in young, otherwise healthy children, lower extremity pain should never be considered “normal”.  Children are not typically affected by the same types of overuse injuries in the adult, and thus should not be treated as adults. 

Most foot and ankle conditions in children can be treated conservatively, and very few will require surgery.  Often an orthotics or other non-surgical care is effective in relieving pain or other symptoms.  If your child exhibits any of these symptoms, they should be seen by a podiatrist for complete evaluation.  

Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC 
101 6th Street N.W. 
Winter Haven, FL 33881 
Phone: 863-299-4551 
www.FLFootandAnkle.com