Pediatric Foot & Ankle Conditions
Many adult foot ailments, like other bodily ills, have their origins in childhood are present at birth. Periodic professional attention and regular foot care can minimize these problems later in life. Neglecting foot health invites problems in other parts of the body, such as legs and back.
Millions of children participate in team and individual sports, many of them outside the school system, where advice on conditioning and equipment is not always available. Protective taping of the ankles is often necessary to prevent sprains or fractures. Parents should consider discussing these matters with their family podiatrist if they have children participating in active sports.
Advice for Parents
- Problems noticed at birth will not disappear by themselves. Do not wait until your child begins walking to take care of a problem you noticed earlier.
- The lack of complaint by a youngster is not a reliable sign. The bones of growing feet are so flexible that they can be twisted and distorted without the child's knowledge.
- Walking is the best foot exercise according to podiatrists. We also recommend that walking patterns be carefully observed. Abnormalities such as: misalignment of toes, knock knees and other gait issues can be corrected if they are detected early.
- Walking barefoot is a healthy activity for children under the right conditions. However, walking barefoot on dirty pavements exposes children' feet to the dangers of infection through accidental cuts and to severe contusions, sprains, or fractures. Another potential problem is plantar warts, a condition caused by a virus which invades the sole of the foot through cuts and breaks in the skin. They require protracted treatment and can keep children home from school and missing out on other activities.
- Use discretion when applying home remedies to children' feet. Preparations strong enough to kill certain types of fungus can also harm the skin.
- Whenever you have questions about your child' foot health, contact a podiatrist.
