Back to school season is getting underway, therefore I recommend parents take five minutes to inspect their child's feet for problems that could sideline your son or daughter from sports and/or other activities.Some warning signs parents should look for are:
•Do the bottom of the child’s shoes show uneven wear patterns?
If your child's shoe is worn on the big toe side of their foot, it could be a sign of poor arch support or flat feet.
•Does the child walk irregularly? Is one leg longer than the other or do feet turn in or out excessively?
If you find out one of your child's legs is longer than the other, heel lifts may be required to restore proper balance. Early intervention may prevent things such as scoliosis, a curvature of spine, later in life.
•Does your child often trip or stumble?
I see young adults every autumn complaining about pain from walking and/or frequency of stumbling while walking. For most students, daily stretching and proper walking shoes can solve the problem. If there are foot deformities like hammertoes and/or bunions, surgery may be advised to make walking more comfortable, if proper shoes do not relieve the symptoms.
•Does your child complain of tired legs, night pains and/or cramping?
Complaints about tired legs, heel pain or leg or foot cramps at night, can be a warning sign. Leg and foot pain can indicate flat feet or other disorders that are easier to treat the earlier they're diagnosed. Children with flat feet are at risk for arthritis later in life if the problem is left untreated.
Following the checklist listed above can uncover common problems afflicting your child, like ingrown toenails to more serious problems like flat feet, that should be addressed early in life to allow pain-free ambulation and prevent further problems later in life.
If your son or daughter are suffering from any of the conditions listed above please contact our office to set-up a consultation, 440-946-5858.
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