Why Do Kids Need to See a Podiatrist?
Why Do Kids Need to See a Podiatrist?
Taking a child to a Podiatrist gives the doctor a chance to see that the child is growing and developing normally. Often time’s parents forget that their children’s feet are the foundation of the whole body. It is not uncommon for the foot and ankle problems in children to go undetected due to the signs and symptoms being subtle or children being unable to express what the problem is. It is oftentimes the responsibility of any parents to take their child in to be checked on early and on a regular basis to prevent and pain with the feet later in life.
Children are affected by many foot conditions and problems, including in-toeing, clubfoot, plantar warts, fractures, flat feet, sprains and ingrown toenails.
- Ingrown Toenails is when the edge of the nail grows into the skin adjacent to it. Often times in children it is due to poor fitting shoes. Signs and symptoms to beware of are red, swollen and painful toes.
- Plantar warts is a lesion on the bottom of the foot caused by virus. Commonly seen in children due to developing immunity. Signs of a wart are of appearance of black dots in tiny clusters.
- Flatfeet which are feet with low to no arch. Symptoms includes aching foot, leg pain and difficult walking.
- Heel pain for children is commonly known as Sever Disease, which is pain along the growth plate at the back of the heel.
Some of these conditions take on different characteristics or may occur more frequently in children due to the nature of their developing bodies and their active lifestyles. Many of these issues can be addressed with customs orthotics, stretching exercises and physical therapy. It is essential to see a Pediatric Foot Specialist to ensure your kid feet are happy and health.