Signs your child is suffering from a foot problem

Ankle and foot problems tend to go unnoticed. Symptoms and signs can be delicate, and sometimes kids have a hard time explaining what’s wrong. However, it is very important to protect a child’s growing feet and have any issues checked at the earliest.

Here are some warning signs that your child is suffering from a foot problem.

1. Your child has a hard time keeping up with fellow peers

If the child lags behind in backyard play or sports, it may be due to their legs or feet. Fatigue is a very common problem when kids have flat feet. Leg and feet muscles tire easily since the feet are not working as well as they normally should. 

2. The child withdraws voluntarily from activities they normally enjoy

If the child is reluctant in participating, it could be because of heel pain — an issue often seen in kids between the ages of eight and fourteen. Recurring stress from sports can cause the leg/foot muscle to strain and inflame the growth plate, an area which is weak during younger age.

 3. They are reluctant in showing you their feet

Children may notice some change in their feet or nails but may not tell their parents to avoid a trip to the doctor’s office. It is always a good idea to inspect your child’s feet from a young age. Search for any changes such as growths, calluses, redness, skin discoloration, and swelling around the child’s toenails.

4. Your child falls and trips too often

Repeated clumsiness can be due to balance problems, in-toeing, or neuromuscular problems.

5. The child is complaining about pain

Foot pain in children is never normal. Sometimes injuries look minor, but if swelling or pain lasts for more than some days, make sure you get the child’s foot examined by a professional.

While no parent can avoid injuries in children completely, one can take preventative measures such as:

1. Buying sport-specific gears and shoes to ensure maximum stability, comfort, performance and support
2. Make sure that every pair of skates or shoes fit correctly. A lot of parents make the mistake of not paying attention to the proper fitting of the shoe.   
3. See your Podiatrist/ Chiropodist for regular analysis.

If your child is showing any of the symptoms or signs mentioned above, promptly get them examined by an ankle and foot surgeon for proper treatment and diagnosis. It is also advised to give your children a balanced diet that offers their body the nutrition it needs to build strength and repair damage more quickly. You can learn more about foot problems in children by browsing through this topic over the web.