Children’s feet and ankles are both especially prone to injury since they are not wholly developed yet. If your child participates often in sports, make sure to check them for bodily injuries. Softer surface sports can “create less trauma to the joints, whereas the harder surfaces can take their toll.” Small symptoms can progress into larger problems later on as your child grows older. Children can suffer from inflammation in the heel growth plate, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and stress fractures. Repeated stress and strain on your children’s bodies can lead to these issues, so make sure to have them checked regularly.
Making sure that your children maintain foot health is very important as they grow up. If you have any questions see one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your growing feet in addition to other podiatric-related needs.
Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
Having healthy feet in childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care from birth to school-age.
Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.
- Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet
- Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable
As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’.
As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet
- Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus
- Be watchful of any pain or injury
- Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible
- Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices in Media and Glen Mills, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
