Does Your Child Have A Foot Problem?

Foot and ankle problems in children often go unnoticed. Signs and symptoms can be subtle, and sometimes children can't explain what's wrong. But it's important to protect growing feet and have problems checked out early. If your child shows any of the following symptoms, make an appointment with our office for an examination:

• Your child can't keep up with their peers. We've found that if a child lags behind in sports or
  
  backyard play, it may be because of tired feet or legs. Fatigue is common when children have flat feet. The muscles in the feet and legs tire easily because the feet are not functioning as well as they should. 
• Children voluntarily withdraw from activities they usually enjoy. If they are reluctant to participate, it may be due to heel pain- a problem we often see in children between the ages of 8 and 14. Repetitive stress from sports may cause muscle strain and inflammation of the growth plate, a weak area at the back of a child's heel.
• They don't want to show you their feet. Children may feel pain or notice a change in the appearance of feet and nails but don't tell their parents because they fear a trip to the doctor's office. Make it a habit to inspect your child's feet starting at a young age. Any changes, such as calluses, growths, skin discoloration, or redness and swelling around the toenails warrants a visit to the podiatrist's office. 
• Your child often trips and falls. Repeated clumsiness may be a sign of in-toeing, balance problems, or neurological conditions. We can evaluate your child's feet and legs to help determine the cause of the problem. 
• Your child complains of pain. Remember, it is never normal for a child to have foot pain. Injuries may seem minor, but if pain or swelling lasts more than a few days, have your child's foot examined. 

If your child has a foot problem, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.

Related articles

• Heel Pain in Children
• Keep Kid's Feet Healthy During Summer Months
• Can Children Have Flat Feet?

Keep Kid's Feet Healthy During Summer Months

It's a time of year children think about with growing anticipation: summer. As the weather gets warmer and the school year winds down, children can't wait to leave their books behind and have some summer fun. Because of the different activities they participate in, it's important to think about keeping their feet happy and healthy during the summertime.
With childhood obesity increasing at an alarming rate, it's key to keep your child moving during the summer months. But if your child's feet hurt, it's going to slow them down.
"Just as untreated foot problems can hinder an adult's life, they can have serious long-term repercussions for children," says Dr. Michael King, former president of the American Podiatric Medical Association. "No matter the cause or severity of the problem, the health of a child's feet should not be taken for granted."

An APMA survey revealed that 35% of parents with children said they would not be motivated to take their child to a doctor for foot or leg pain. 25% said they would take their child to a podiatrist.
The most important piece of advice you need this summer to keep your children's feet safe is: Right shoe, right size. Children's feet grow very quickly; shoe and sock sizes may change every few months. Shoes that don't fit properly irritate a child's foot just as much as yours do when they don't fit. Have them measured before you purchase any new shoes, especially if it's been several months since any shoes have been bought. Watch for signs that shoes are bothering their feet by looking for blisters, red spots, and general complaints of foot pain.
Don't leave your child at home when you go shoe shopping. Every shoe brand is different and will fit differently. Remember to buy for the larger foot, as even small feet are never the same size. Shoes should never need a break-in period and your child should be able to wear them right away.
Footwear should never be handed down. You would never pass on eyeglasses to a relative, would you? Just like they might have a different prescription need, your child will have a different footwear need as well. A shoe should have adequate support for how active they will be this summer.
If you are a parent and have a child who is experiencing foot pain or discomfort, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter. 

Related articles

• Can Children Have Flat Feet?

  ---

Mid-Year Foot Check-Up For Kids

Children will be thrilled to know they've made it half-way through the school year. Their shoes have also

made it through half the year, and it may be time for a new pair.
Children's feet can grow up to two sizes in six months. If you suspect your children's growth has made their shoes too tight, check for blisters on the back of the heels, corns and calluses on the toes, or ingrown toenails.

Check the shoes for wear and tear, too. Shoes lose their shock absorption over time. If it's time to buy new shoes, choose a pair that has a little, but not too much, room for growth. Shoot for about a finger's width of space between your child's big toe and the front of the shoe. Don't buy shoes too big, however. Oversized shoes cause the foot to slide forward, putting pressure on the toes.

Be sure the shoes have a toe box wide enough to accommodate your child's feet, adequate cushioning and shock absorption. Children with flat feet also need shoes that provide arch support. If your child is having trouble walking or running or is experiencing foot pain despite properly fitting shoes, call one of our offices for a check-up.

Connecticut Foot Care Centers

Podiatrists in CT
Children's Foot Doctor in CT

Visit our website, like our page on Facebook and follow our tweets on Twitter. 

Related articles

• Keep Kid's Feet Healthy During Summer Months

  ---

• Can Children Have Flat Feet?

  ---

• How To Pick Out Baby's First Shoes

  ---