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Ingrown toenails, warts and flat feet are among the most common reasons for
children to present to their Podiatrist. It is important for parents and physicians to
understand that there are many other treatable problems that may be
overlooked. Aside from obvious injury or infection, children often do not complain
of pain. Parents may notice that their children become easily fatigued during
activity or lack a desire to participate. This may indicate an over-pronation
syndrome where the leg muscles work excessively during amublation.
Growing pains is another entity that can occur during several stages of childhood
and affect any part of the foot, but usually affects the heel. Some children are
born with tendon contractures and/or excessive curvature of the foot. If
unrecognized and untreated, these deformities can delay walking or lead to
problems later in life. Treatment options vary based on patient age and type of
injury or problem, but are typically non-invasive.
GROWING PAINS
When children reach growth spurts, the bones are the fastest to grow. The muscles,
tendons and ligaments take longer to grow and become stretched, creating tremendous
traction or pull on the bones to which they attach. It may take several months before
these structures "catch up" to the length of the bones. Add the extra weight from growth,
the high activity level many kids have and you have a situation where inflammation can
develop at the attachments of the tendons and the joints the ligaments support.
What can be done to help?
Stretching exercises, anti-inflammatory medications, rest and "tincture of time" can be
effective, but consultation with a physician is important. Not every ache in a child is due
to growing pains, and their complaints should be heard. The role of the podiatric
physician is to treat the foot and ankle symptoms while keeping the child as active as
possible. Not every child is the same, and individual programs are tailored based on the
location of the symptoms and needs of that particular child.
What are the symptoms?
Unfortunately, most kids do not complain of pain in their legs. Symptoms can vary from
children become easily fatigued when active, no longer able to keep up with the other
kids, or loss of desire to partake in their usual activities. Pain felt in the back of the heel
or front of the knee are extremely common. When children reach 13 to 15 years of age,
arch pain and leg fatigue become increasingly common. It may be normal for your child
to be "awkward" or clumsy at that age because the feet will reach adult size long before
adult height is achieved; but they shouldn't hurt.
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