Within recent times, I have seen quite a few children; more than usual. With the awareness of parents being heightened, they are now quicker to respond to issues, than before. A number of kids are into varied activities, and parents want their children’s comfort, along with good returns (medals/ trophies and recognition), on their investment.

I have seen a few 6-year olds, along with a number of pre-teens and teenagers. The young and older kids alike, tend to want a full picture of what is being done, or can be done to manage or eliminate their particular problem(s). Sometimes when your child is suffering from pain in their feet or ankles, you have to do some investigating to determine  exactly what the issue is. Remember, kids often don’t know how to fully communicate their symptoms. If you notice that your child habitually walks on their tiptoes, is limping, or has an unusual gait (the way they walk), there could be an underlying foot or ankle issue that needs checking.  If your child’s pain or discomfort continues for more than a few days, they should be taken to a podiatrist or orthopaedic.

Here are four of the most common things that happen in children’s feet:

1. Flatfoot

When this deformity occurs in children, it is referred to as paediatric flatfoot. Although there are diverse forms of flatfoot, they all share one characteristic; partial or total collapse of the arch. It can cause pain and cramping in kids’ feet, ankles, knees, or other parts of their legs. Sometimes, however, there are no painful symptoms in childhood; so it is important to pay attention to your child’s gait, to watch for any awkward or unusual motions.

Paediatric flatfoot can be classified as symptomatic or asymptomatic. Symptomatic symptoms present through  pain and limitation of activity; asymptomatic has no symptoms. These classifications can assist in determining an appropriate treatment plan.

If a child has no symptoms, treatment is often not required. Instead,  the condition will be observed and re-evaluated periodically. Custom orthotics may be considered for some cases of asymptomatic flatfoot. When the child has symptoms, treatment is required. The podiatrist or orthopaedic surgeon may select one or more of the following nonsurgical approaches: activity modifications, orthotic devices, physical therapy, medications, and/or footwear. In some cases, surgery is necessary to relieve the symptoms, and improve foot function.

1. Ingrown Toenails

A nail rubbing and cutting into the skin can be quite painful; more so if the skin it has opened, it can quickly become infected. As your kids’ feet grow, make sure you check their shoe size; too-tight shoes or socks, can be a leading cause of ingrown toenails. The way the nail is trimmed is another cause. Trim them straight across and no shorter than the nailbed. If your child has an ingrown toenail, it can be risky to ‘dig it out’ on your own; take them to a podiatrist for proper evaluation and treatment.

1. Plantar Warts

A number of children in swimming, gymnastics and dance have been coming with plantar warts (fish eyes). These small growths on the bottom of the feet are caused by the human papilloma virus. They can grow deep in the skin and cause a lot of pain for your children. They can also spread quickly if not treated properly by a podiatric professional.

1. Calcaneal Apophysitis (Sever’s Disease)

Repetitive stress to the growth plate on your child’s heel can cause this painful inflammation. Since the growth plate is not fully developed until the child reaches about 14, trauma from sports or other activities can cause Sever’s Disease. This condition tends to start around age 7/8.

It is the most common cause of heel pain in children, and it can occur in one or both feet. Heel pain in children differs from that experienced by adults. With adults it usually subsides after a period of walking; but the paediatric pain generally doesn’t improve in this manner. In fact, walking typically makes the pain worse.

Overuse, and stress on the heel bone, through participation in sports, are a major cause of calcaneal apophysitis. The heel’s growth plate is sensitive to repeated running and pounding on hard surfaces, resulting in muscle strain and inflamed tissue. Therefore, children and adolescents involved in soccer, track, or basketball, are especially vulnerable. Other potential causes of this condition include obesity, a tight Achilles tendon, and biomechanical problems, such as flatfoot or a high-arched foot.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain in the back or bottom of the heel
• Limping
• Walking on toes
• Difficulty running, jumping, or participating in usual activities or sports
• Pain when the sides of the heel are squeezed
• Tiredness

The podiatrist or orthopaedic surgeon may select one or more of the following treatment options:

• Reduce activity, support the heel, medications, physical therapy, or immobilisation.

Often, heel pain in children returns after it has been treated, since the heel bone is still growing. Recurrence of heel pain may be a sign of calcaneal apophysitis, or it may indicate a different problem.

Keep a close eye on your child’s feet and ankles and the way he or she walks. If you notice anything unusual or any sudden changes, or if your child is complaining of pain in their feet or ankles, make an appointment with your podiatrist or orthopaedic surgeon.

                      Your feet mirror your general health . . . cherish them!