Foot and ankle problems in children are common but often go unnoticed. Signs and symptoms can be subtle, and sometimes young children cannot explain what's wrong or what they are feeling or experiencing.
Many children are involved in sporting and recreational activities often in either new or old worn out foot wear. These activities can increase the risk for foot injuries and foot pain. It's important to protect their growing feet and identify any foot problems they may have early. The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons offers five warning signs parents should watch for to identify foot problems in their children.
1. Your child can't keep up with his or her peers. If children lag behind in sports or backyard play, it may be because their feet or legs are tired or painful. A number of conditions can cause foot pain and foot fatigue is common when children have flat feet.
The muscles in the feet and legs tire easily because the feet are not functioning as well as they should.
2. Your child voluntarily withdraws from activities they usually enjoy. If they are reluctant to participate in sporting activities they usually enjoy, it may be due to pain. Children may also refuse to wear shoes or sneakers they usually wear because of pain in the foot. Heel pain is a common foot problem often seen in children between the ages of 8 and 14. Repeated stress from sports may also cause muscle strain and inflammation of the growth plate, a weak area at the back of a child's heel. It is common in sports involving lots of running and jumping, such as basketball.
3. They don't want to show you their feet. Children may feel pain or notice a change in the appearance of their feet or nails but don't tell their parents because they fear a trip to the doctor's office. Surgeons encourage parents to make a habit of inspecting their child's feet regularly, starting at a young age. Look for any changes such as calluses, growths, skin discoloration, redness and swelling around the toenails.
4. Your child often trips and falls. Children are very active running, jumping and generally moving about most of the time. It can be expected that they may trip or fall at some time. But if your child trips and falls often, it can indicate a problem. Repeated clumsiness may be a sign of in-toeing, balance problems or neuromuscular conditions.
5. The child complains of pain. It is never normal for a child to have foot pain. Pain indicates there is something wrong that must be checked out. Foot and ankle injuries may seem minor, but if pain or swelling last more than a few days, have your child's foot examined to make sure it is not something serious.
Children's feet are growing and it's important to protect their feet from injuries. If foot problems do develop, it is best to identify and treat them early. If your child has any of these signs or symptoms, their feet should be examined by a podiatrist as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment.
o For more information or to see a podiatrist visit Bahamas Foot Centre on Rosetta Street or call 325-2996 for an appointment or visit Bahamas Surgical Associates Center on Albury Lane, or call 394-5820 for an appointment or email us at foothealth242@gmail.com or visit www.foothealth.org.
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