Foot Care For Children: What Parents Should Know – When it comes to foot care for your children, there are a few things that you need to be aware of. The first thing you need to know is that a child’s foot growth is different than an adult’s. You will need to take some time to find out how your child’s feet are growing, and what you can do to help them along.
Proper footwear
Whether your child plays sports or goes to school, it’s important to make sure he or she is wearing the right footwear. Wearing the wrong type of shoes can lead to injuries and foot problems.
One of the best ways to ensure your child is wearing proper footwear is to get him or her fitted by a professional. If your child plays sports, it’s even more important to buy sport-specific shoes. These will help him or her perform at their best.
In addition, there is a wealth of evidence to show that proper footwear can aid in a child’s physical development. Studies have found that wearing the right shoes can increase muscle strength and endurance. They can also keep a child’s feet comfortable and prevent them from developing painful and potentially debilitating conditions.
While a lot of research has been done in the past, recent findings have challenged long held beliefs about footwear and foot health. For instance, a study published in Nature by Dr. Lieberman demonstrates that properly fitted shoes can improve a child’s gait.
Getting the shoes right isn’t just about the right size, though. Other factors to consider include the age and activity level of your child.
Ingrown toenails
An ingrown toenail is a painful condition that occurs when the nail grows into the skin. This can cause intense pain and may result in infection. Ingrown toenails can be prevented, but they can also become serious if left untreated.
If you notice your child’s toes hurting, or if their feet are red and swollen, it’s best to take them to a doctor. They can help you determine the causes of the ingrown toenail, and recommend treatment. Using a topical antiseptic and sterile cotton wool can relieve the pain and treat the infection.
Ingrown toenails are common in children. The feet of kids grow rapidly, so it’s important to watch for signs. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and fluid-filled blisters.
If the infection is severe, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic cream. You should apply the cream for at least a week. A product containing acetaminophen is also available to ease the pain.
You should consider letting your child wear loose-fitting shoes that allow for room to heal. Tight shoes can push the nail back into the skin.
If the ingrown toenail isn’t painful, your child might be able to heal on their own. It is best to get the nail trimmed by a podiatrist, who can use special tools to cut the ingrown nail.
Verrucae
If you are a parent, you may have had to deal with the foot care problems of your children. One of the most common complaints is verrucae. It is a viral infection that can be painful to deal with.
Most verrucae will spontaneously clear within two years. However, the timeframe can vary depending on the individual.
Getting your child checked by a podiatrist is a good way to determine if he or she needs treatment. A podiatrist can also help you find the most effective treatment for your child’s condition.
When you visit your podiatrist, he or she will ask you a series of questions. He or she will take a detailed history. You will then be shown some of the most common treatments.
In order to treat verrucae, you should avoid needling. Needling can be a painful procedure, especially in young children. This method involves a needle being inserted into the infected area. The procedure creates a wound which takes about two weeks to heal.
There are several options for treating verrucae. Some parents opt for topical verruca creams, which contain salicylic acid. Others opt for the “occlusion method.” These methods involve putting a plaster over the infected area.
Heel and foot pain
If your child is experiencing heel or foot pain, it is important to get an expert’s opinion. This is especially true if your child is involved in sports. Oftentimes, overuse can lead to inflammation and pain. It is also possible to treat heel and foot pain non-surgically.
The most common cause of heel and foot pain in children is Sever’s disease. It is a condition that affects the growth plate in the heel. Children and adolescents who participate in athletics are at a higher risk for the disease.
It is important to treat pediatric heel and foot pain in an early stage. If left untreated, the condition can result in long-term problems and may require complicated therapies. However, if treated early, your child’s condition can be controlled.
One of the best ways to treat heel and foot pain in kids is to ensure they don’t overuse their feet. In addition to wearing shoes with sufficient padding, you can avoid stressing your child’s heel by taking advantage of an orthotic. Oral medications can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
A physical exam and x-rays can help identify the cause of heel and foot pain in your child. Your child’s x-rays will reveal the growth plate, a strip of soft tissue on the heel bone.
Flat feet
If your child’s feet are flat, it is possible to treat it with nonsurgical treatment options. These are designed to improve the function of the foot. In addition, they can help prevent future problems. A Foot Doctor in Carlsbad CA can greatly help your child with this condition.
Flat feet in kids can be painful. They may also cause gait issues. A pediatric podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon can perform a physical examination. He or she can also suggest stretching exercises to correct the problem.
While most children don’t require treatment, a small minority of kids with flat feet may need to have surgery. Surgery is not recommended for children under the age of five.
In some cases, the best treatment for a kid with flat feet is just to keep them from participating in high-impact activities. This is because it increases their risk of falling.
Another common reason for a foot deformity is a tight Achilles tendon. If the problem is caused by this problem, the child will need stretches to improve the strength of the arch.
Children with flat feet may also have a slightly turned ankle. Doctors may order imaging tests such as an x-ray or MRI. The resulting images can give your doctor an idea of the shape of your child’s feet.
Sever’s disease
Sever’s disease is a condition that causes inflammation in the growth plate of the heel bone. It is common among physically active pre-teens and teenagers. If left untreated, the symptoms can worsen. A doctor can diagnose Sever’s disease by looking at the young person’s feet and symptoms.
When a child has Sever’s disease, he or she should take some time off from sports and activities. Wear supportive shoes that protect the foot and arch. This can decrease the stress on the heel and help reduce the risk of future episodes.
An x-ray may be required if the problem does not respond to conservative treatment. X-rays can also detect other problems, such as bone tumors and infections.
Treatment usually includes rest, icing the area, and acetaminophen or ibuprofen. If the pain does not get better with these measures, your doctor may prescribe a nighttime splint to prevent the tendons from tightening.
You should also consider wearing gel heel pads in your shoes to help reduce swelling and pressure on the heel. These can be fitted to your shoes or worn separately.
Children with Sever’s disease should also avoid excessive running on hard surfaces. As with other conditions, stretching exercises can help prevent and treat this condition.
