Foot pain in children is very common and can be easily diagnosed and treated by our podiatrist. Since kids are active and are often involved in sports, they are susceptible to injury. Our podiatrist explains what to look out for, common causes, and gives advice for children’s foot pain in Flagstaff, AZ.

Things To Look Out For

Complaints are the most obvious sign that something is wrong. If your child complains of heel or foot pain, it is critical to have them evaluated by our podiatrist. Be aware of other symptoms as well, such as limping or toe-walking.

Common Causes

If your child is involved in sports or other athletic activities, they are at a higher risk for foot injuries. Additionally, there are youth-specific problems to look out for. Keep these specific foot problems in mind:

• Calcaneal apophysitis. This is a disorder that occurs in children between 8 and 14 years old. It causes inflammation of the heel’s growth plate and the pain is worsened by walking. It is caused by the overuse of the foot, specifically running on hard surfaces. Children involved in basketball or soccer are especially prone to this injury.
• Achilles tendonitis. Generally caused by a sudden increase in activity, such as the beginning of the sports season, Achilles tendonitis leads to heel pain, inflammation, and difficulty walking.
• Plantar fasciitis. This condition is a result of overstretching the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot. It causes pain in the heel and the bottom of the foot. Generally, the pain is worse in the morning and gets better throughout the day.

Treatments & Checkups

You can start treating your child’s foot problem at home with rest, ice, and compression. If the pain persists or gets worse, call our podiatrist to schedule an appointment. For prevention, ensure that your child has quality supportive shoes to avoid injuries in the future. Stretching before sports is also a great measure to warm the muscles up prior to the activity. Additionally, regular checkups are essential for children who are active or have sustained prior foot injuries.

Learn More About Common Foot Issues in Flagstaff, AZ – Contact Us Today!

The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other podiatry topics, feel free to contact Flagstaff Foot Doctors by clicking here or by calling 928-774-4825.