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:
- Buying sport-specific gears and shoes to ensure maximum stability, comfort, performance and support
- 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.
- 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.
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