Simple at-home checks help spot foot problems
Back to school season is getting underway, and your Cornerstone Foot & Ankle doctors have some advice for parents. Take five minutes to inspect your children’s feet for problems that could sideline your son or daughter from sports or other activities.
Dr. Taral Shah says parents should look for these warning signs:
- Do the bottoms of the child’s shoes show uneven wear patterns?
- Does the child walk irregularly? Is one leg longer than the other or do feet turn in or out excessively?
- Do preschoolers walk on their toes?
- Does the child often trip or stumble?
- Does the child complain of tired legs, night pains and cramping?
“Following this checklist can uncover common problems like ingrown toenails to more serious problems like flat feet,” says Dr. Shah. “If your child’s shoe is worn on the big toe side of their foot, it could be a sign of poor arch support or flat feet.”
Dr. Shah adds that parents can spot several potential foot problems by observing how their kids walk. “If you find out one of your child’s legs is longer than the other, heel lifts may be required to restore proper balance,” she says.
Early intervention can prevent scoliosis, a curvature of spine, later in life. Sometimes younger children toe-walk because of tightness in their Achilles tendon. Dr. Shah says that can happen when toddlers spend too much time in walkers. “A foot and ankle surgeon can recommend stretching exercises that can be fun for small children and help prevent lower back pain as they get older,” she says.
For older children beginning college, heel pain and shin splints can plague freshmen not used to walking long distances across campus to attend classes. “We see students every autumn complaining about pain from walking so much every day,” says Dr. Shah. “For most students, daily stretching and proper walking shoes can solve the problem. If there are foot deformities like hammertoes, surgery may be advised to make walking more comfortable.”
Dr. Shah says “growing pains” are a myth. “If your kids complain about tired legs, heel pain or leg or foot cramps at night, consider that a warning sign and see your doctor,” she says. “Leg and foot pain can indicate flat feet or other disorders that are easier to treat the earlier they’re diagnosed. Dr. Shah says children with flat feet are at risk for arthritis later in life if the problem is left untreated. If you or your child notice any unusual changes or pain in your feet, contact our office to schedule your appointment.