Many of the foot conditions that affect adults, such as flat feet, plantar warts, ingrown toenails, and heel pain, affect children as well. However, a child’s rapid development coupled with their more active lifestyle results in some of these conditions occurring more frequently or taking on different characteristics compared to adults. For example, normal bone and muscle growth may result in heel pain or flat feet. Increased time on their feet also makes children and adolescents more likely to develop warts and ingrown toenails.
When children have strong, healthy feet, it helps them avoid a variety of lower body issues in adulthood. To protect them, have your child’s feet examined periodically.
Finally, pay close attention if your child complains that their foot, ankle, or heel hurts. Also, look for signs of pain, such as your child no longer wanting to run or be active. Very young children don’t always tell us when something hurts. If your child takes dance lessons or plays sports, foot injuries and pain are common.