Ingrown Toenails: Associated with shoes that do not fit properly or trauma during new sports or activities.
- Ingrown Toenails: Associated with shoes that do not fit properly or trauma during new sports or activities.
- Growing Pains: Children’s feet are developing at a rate greater than their body can keep up. Many parents and pediatricians think the child will simply grow out of it. While it is true some children will get better over time, many are ailing from a lower extremity malalignment that needs to be addressed.
- Heel Pain: Related to Calcaneal Apophysitis (Severs Disease). Inflammation of the growth plate of the heel bone causing pain with sports and possibly micro-fractures of the growth plate.
- Stress Fractures: Overuse injuries can occur as a result of new activities or sports leading to stress fractures of the small bones in the foot.
- Athletes Foot: Hormones, excess sweating and PE class can all contribute to Tinea Pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot. Proper hygiene, changing socks and shoes frequently and antifungal cream can help.
- Tendonitis: A child’s body grows at a rapid rate and as a result they put more strain on areas of the foot and ankle leading to possible tendon tears or ruptures. Proper stretching and warm-up is critical for new sports to prepare the body for these activities.
- Warts: Hormones, hygiene and puncture wounds to the bottom of the foot can all contribute to the development of these stubborn lesions. Not only are they unsightly, but can also be very painful especially on the plantar aspect of the foot.
- Foot/Ankle Sprains: Very common in children learning to play new sports or activities. Proper footwear for each individual sport can reduce the likelihood of injury.
- Growth Plate Injuries: Fractures of the foot and ankle can affect the growth plates that can have long-lasting effects on the child for the rest of their life.
- Flatfeet: They don’t develop overnight. This is a progressive deformity that if treated early can benefit the child throughout their entire life. Back to School time is the perfect time to check your child’s feet and if you’re concerned about their low arches or pain while walking, please see your local podiatrist.
The Beginning of the new school year can be a daunting task and your child’s feet should be the least of your worries. If you have any foot concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to call Toe-Tal Foot & Ankle Care. Our goal is to make sure every child starts the new school year off on the right foot!
Written by Dr. Daniel Cairns
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