Foot pain is often associated with the aging process as it can often impact older adults. However, foot pain can impact those of all ages. Foot pain requires help from a medical professional as it can impact your daily life. Foot pain can also impact your ability to walk as it can cause issues in your ankles, knees, hips, and back. Below you will find the common causes of foot pain in children.
Common Causes of Foot Pain in Children
Due to the seriousness of foot pain, it is critical to talk with a skilled podiatrist about the issue. They can effectively assess, diagnose, and create a treatment plan to meet your child’s unique needs. Consider the common causes of foot pain in children.
Growing Pains:
A common cause of foot pain in children is growing pains. Growth causes rapid change in the muscles, which can cause cramping and pain. Rest, hot or cold compresses, and even a foot soak can help your child with pain management. However, if your child is in consistent pain, you should seek help from a podiatrist. It may be another issue and should be ruled out.
Arch Issues:
Also referred to as “flat feet,” fallen arches occur when a child’s arches are low or not apparent at all. Sometimes the impact of fallen arches isn’t immediately apparent as it can take years to feel the unwanted symptoms. If you notice that your child has flat feet and experiences foot pain, talk with a podiatrist about preventative measures that can be taken. This can keep your child from a number of unwanted symptoms caused by flat feet.
Improper Shoes:
Your child needs to wear supportive shoes that accommodate their activities. This includes fitting properly and providing the necessary support for each activity, whether it’s playing outdoors or ballet. This can be difficult if your child is rapidly growing so be sure and check the fit of their shoes during growth spurts. Unsupportive shoes can lead to foot pain and other unwanted symptoms, which may require treatment.
Bunions:
This issue is often thought of as an issue that mostly impacts adults, but bunions can also impact children. A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint of the base of the big toe. This occurs when the bones on the front part of one’s foot move out of place. Bunions in children are common among those who wear unsupportive shoes, or due to physical deformities at birth. Bunions can be extremely uncomfortable, so immediate foot pain treatment is necessary.
Athlete’s Foot:
This fungal infection can cause a burning rash that results in dry, cracked feet. Similar to plantar warts, athlete’s foot can resolve on its own in some cases. Because children spend a lot of time in community environments, such as locker rooms and pools, they are more susceptible to athlete’s foot. While at-home remedies can help manage the pain, some cases may require medical treatment from a skilled professional in podiatry in Westlake Village.
Plantar Warts:
These non-cancerous skin growths can show up all over the feet, but are most commonly found on the balls of the foot or heels. Plantar warts are caused by an infection that can easily spread between people. Some plantar warts heal on their own, but others can cause deep pain if they get buried deeper into your child’s foot. If you child experiences pain or any signs of infection, swelling, pain, warmth, or redness, contact a podiatrist. Podiatrists can easily diagnose and treat plantar warts.
Ingrown Toenails:
Ingrown toenails can be extremely painful and are often accompanied by redness, swelling, and overall discomfort. They are often caused by improper footwear and can be exacerbated by trimming one’s nails improperly. There is an increase for infection with ingrown toenails, so it’s important to treat it immediately. To reduce your child’s risk for the condition, monitor their footwear and work with them on properly trimming their toenails.
