We believe that children should be able to run, play and grow without being held back by pain or discomfort. At times, your child may be affected by foot pain, or move in a manner that concerns you. Paediatric foot problems or foot pain among children are mostly similar to those affecting adults. However, they may have different characteristics or may occur more frequently in children due to their developing bodies, and rapid and active lifestyles.
Additionally, it can be difficult for your child to communicate about their foot pain and the cause of it. As parents, this can be worrying at times. It is exciting to watch them grow and we want them to be active and confident on their feet! To help, here are the 5 most common foot problems among children and how they can be managed with Podiatry care.
5 Common Foot Problems in Children
1) Flat feet among Children
Flat feet, which are feet with minimal or no arches, are a common concern for many parents. However, it is normal for children to have flat feet at an early age with over 45% of pre-school children having flat feet. This is due to incomplete bone development, weak ligaments and low muscle tone in the early years. This gradually strengthens and improves over time as the child advances in age. Due to this, almost all children’s feet appear to be flat until they are 3-4 years old. Full development of the feet is achieved around the age of 9-10 years old.
When is podiatry treatment needed for Flat Feet in Children?
Treatment becomes necessary if your child’s flat feet are associated with pain in the feet and lower limbs, leading to difficulty walking, tripping or falling often, or one foot is significantly flatter relative to the other. A common treatment for flat feet is foot orthotics which help contour the arch, reducing flattening and overpronation. Additionally, strengthening exercises for the foot, ankle and lower limb are also beneficial in treating flat feet among children.
2) In-toeing gait
Another common foot problem among children is in-toeting gait, or pigeon toes. This happens when your child’s feet turn in to face one another during walking. This is commonly short-lived and normal when your child first learns to walk in their early years. However, if your child trips and falls often, or continues to walk like this beyond the age of 4 years old, they may require treatment by a podiatrist.
How can a podiatrist help with in-toeing gait among children?
Podiatry treatment involves using gait plates placed into their shoes to encourage the child to rotate their feet outward with each step. Strengthening exercises of the hip and lower limbs are beneficial as well.
3) Tip-toe walking
Tip-toe walking occurs when your child walks on their tip-toes and on the balls of their feet, with no contact between the heel and the ground. Tip-toe walking is a common pattern of walking in children under the age of three as they are in the process of learning to walk. Most children outgrow tip-toe walking and begin to walk with a normal heel-to-pattern by the age of three. However, in children 3 years and older walking on tip-toes may not be normal and could be associated with a neurological immaturity or medical condition.
Fortunately, over 90% of these cases can be treated with conservative treatment options. If your child is able to walk flat-footed and normal when asked to do so, the tip-toe walking is likely habitual and can be resolved with simple conservative treatment and consistent reminders to correct. Stretching and strengthening of the calf muscles and tendons is another important conservative treatment intervention.
4) Foot Warts
Foot warts can be stubborn and challenging to get rid of in all individuals but the paediatric population tend to get them more than adults as they are involved in activities that are on common surfaces with their barefoot more often.
Podiatry treatment for Children with Foot Warts
Treatment options involve shaving of the wart lesion and topical applications of mild acids to eradicate the wart virus and tissue.
5) Ingrown toenails
An ingrown toenail develops when a sharp edge of the nails grows into the surrounding skin. This causes pain and discomfort and can also cause a break in the skin leading to an infection.
Treating a child’s Ingrown Toenails
Early treatment from a podiatrist is advised as this problem will persist until the offending nail edge is removed and the area is cleaned with a small procedure. If your child’s nail shape is involuted, a painless nail brace can also be applied to correct the nail shape and give a long-lasting solution.
Seek early Podiatry Treatment for Foot Problems among Children
Early podiatry intervention for children with foot pain or foot problems is crucial for ensuring proper growth, development, and overall well-being. Children’s feet are continually evolving, and any pain or discomfort should not be dismissed as mere growing pains. Seeking timely podiatry assessment can help identify and address issues such as flat feet, toe abnormalities, gait irregularities, or muscle imbalances before they become more severe. Addressing these concerns early can prevent long-term complications, promote good function and lifestyle, and contribute to the overall health of a child’s musculoskeletal system. By prioritising early podiatry intervention, parents can facilitate their children’s optimal physical development, ensuring they lead active and pain-free lives. To make an appointment with our podiatry team, simply contact us to book an appointment!
