Posted by Foot conditions are prevalent in adults and children. However, due to lack of concern, many times these conditions go unnoticed, which eventually leads to life-long conditions. An often-overlooked aspect of children’s health is their fee. Conditions such as Sever’s disease, flat feet and ingrown toenails in children are common. They can affect and have long-lasting consequences if not addressed promptly. An experienced pediatric podiatrist (pediatric podiatrist) will ensure that the conditions are treated early on. With that said, we will explore some of the common pediatric foot conditions that parents and caregivers should be aware of and provide insights into how a Medecin podologue (podiatrist) can help in their prevention and treatment.
Most common foot problems in children
Suffering from foot conditions can be an excessively painful experience, especially if this happens at a young age. The feet of children, infants and toddlers are soft and vulnerable to a lot of pediatric foot conditions. Taking early measures helps avoid further deterioration of these conditions. A Pediatric podiatrist (pediatric podiatrist) will diagnose the condition from the root and prescribe certain treatments according to the seriousness of the condition.
Below we have mentioned a few common pediatric foot conditions:
- Flat Feet (Pes Planus)
Flat feet, or pes planus, is a common foot condition in children. It is characterized by a lack of a visible arch in the foot when standing. Many children are born with flat feet, but the arch usually develops as they grow. However, in some cases, the arch doesn’t fully form, leading to persistent flat feet.
Causes
This condition can be caused due to a variety of factors which include factors such as ligament laxity and certain medical conditions.
Symptoms
Children diagnosed with flat feet experience pain in their feet. This is also characterized by the way they walk, which is by twisting their feet turned inwards.
Treatment
Most children with flat feet do not require treatment, as the arch typically develops with age. In cases where pain or discomfort is present, consulting a Medecin podologue (podiatrist) is the best option. Orthotic insoles or physical therapy may help.
- Sever’s Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis)
Also known as Calcaneal Apophysitis, this is a common podiatric condition that causes heel pain in children typically between the ages of 8 and 14, a crucial stage of their growth years.
Causes
Sever’s Disease is caused by inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone. It often occurs due to the rapid growth of the heel bone during adolescence.
Symptoms
Children affected from Sever’s Disease may experience pain and tenderness in the back of the heel. This can escalate especially during or after physical activities.
Treatment
Rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers are some common options to subside the pain. Light physical activities such as stretching exercises and supportive footwear can be beneficial. However, in extreme cases, a Pediatric podiatrist (pediatric podiatrist) will help you to chart out a more specific plan for long-term treatment of this condition.
- Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain and inflammation. This condition can affect children as well as adults.
Causes
Ingrown toenails are often a result of improper toenail trimming, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or a genetic predisposition to nail shape.
Symptoms
Ingrown toenails can be painful and lead to redness, swelling, and infection in the affected toe.
Treatment
Soaking the foot in warm water, proper toenail trimming, and wearing well-fitting shoes can help prevent ingrown toenails. In severe cases, a doctor may need to remove the ingrown portion of the nail.
- Tarsal Coalition
Tarsal coalition is a rare condition in which two or more of the tarsal bones in the foot fuse together, limiting normal foot movement. It is typically noticed in adolescence.
Causes
Tarsal coalition is often due to a congenital condition where the bones in the foot fail to separate properly during development.
Symptoms
Intense pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion are some of the common effects for children affected with this condition. Walking may be abnormal.
Treatment
Treatment may involve physical therapy and orthotics. In severe cases, an expert Medecin podologue (podiatrist) may suggest surgical intervention to separate the fused bones.
- Clubfoot (Talipes Equinovarus)
Clubfoot is a congenital condition in which a child’s foot is twisted out of shape or position. It is present at birth and requires early intervention.
Causes
The exact cause of clubfoot is not known, but it may be influenced by genetics and environmental factors.
Symptoms
Clubfoot is evident at birth and is characterized by the foot’s abnormal positioning, often turned inward and downward.
Treatment
Clubfoot is typically treated with a series of casts, followed by braces, to gradually correct the foot’s position. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.
- Metatarsus Adductus
Metatarsus adductus is a condition in which the front part of the foot, or metatarsals, is turned inward. It is noticeable at birth.
Causes
Metatarsus adductus may occur due to the baby’s positioning in the womb or other factors during development.
Symptoms
The condition is visible as a curve or “C” shape in the foot, but it usually does not cause pain.
Treatment
Most children with metatarsus adductus do not require treatment, as the condition often resolves on its own as the child grows. In more severe cases, stretching exercises or casting may be recommended.
Conclusion
Understanding and recognizing common pediatric foot conditions in a child’s feet is crucial for their overall health and well-being. Consulting a Pediatric podiatrist (pediatric podiatrist) should be the first step to address these issues promptly. Regular check-ups with a Medecin podologue (podiatrist) can help identify and manage these conditions, allowing children to grow and develop with healthy, pain-free feet. Parents should be proactive in maintaining their children’s foot health. They should provide proper footwear and teach good hygiene practices. However, in serious cases seeking professionals can help our children put their best foot forward in life.