Pediatric Pain
Contrary to popular belief, children’s feet are not merely a smaller version of an adult’s feet. They actually require more specialized and hands-on care since their feet are still growing and developing.
A child’s foot and ankle still consist of soft bones and muscles, making them vulnerable to foot injuries and other conditions. Some of the most common ones that you should watch out for include the following:
Heel Pain-
Heel pain refers to a condition characterized by tenderness or aching feeling at the back of the foot or ankle. It is commonly seen in children participating in rigorous activities, sports training, or competitive games. Painful sensations in the heel may be caused by repetitive stress or overuse, an underlying foot and ankle injury or condition, which may turn severe if unaddressed.
Ankle Sprain-
A sprained ankle refers to an injury that happens when you turn or twist your ankle in the wrong way. Such movements can force the ligaments to stretch beyond their normal range or, worse, sustain partial or complete tears.
Plantar Warts-
Warts are non-cancerous, small skin bumps that grow at the top layer of the skin due to a virus.
Generally, warts are harmless and painless, but they may make walking uncomfortable.
Developmental Conditions-
Another common pediatric feet conditions are abnormalities or deformities due to an underdeveloped musculoskeletal system. Some examples of developmental conditions include:
- In-toeing or pigeon toes - one or both feet turning inward when standing or walking.
- Out-toeing - feet turned outward when walking.
- Toe walking - a child walking on the balls of the feet without using their heels.
If these any conditions persist together with pain or other symptoms, then it’s best to consult a podiactric specialist.