Babies have gorgeous feet, tiny and perfect that make you want to kiss them. The surprising thing is the feet are flat. Babies can do without shoes for the first year or so since they do not have any problems. However, you should not hesitate to call Dr. Jarman when you notice any problems with your child or baby’s feet. Read more about keeping kids feet healthy.
It Is Important to Keep Your Children’s Feet Healthy
Some of the problems that you may encounter in your baby’s feet include:
Pediatric Flatfoot
As mentioned babies are born with flat feet and rarely have any problems. However, some issues can arise and that is notable if the baby cannot engage in certain activities such as walking or running. They will do it awkwardly. Some kids will complain of cramps and pain in their feet, legs, or the knees. It is important to have the child examined and the problem evaluated by a podiatrist.
Calcaneal Apophysitis
Also called Sever’s Disease, calcaneal apophysitis is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heels. It is a disease common in children aged between 8 and 14 years since they do not have a fully developed heel bone – calcaneus. Until they reach 14 years of age, children will have new bone forming at the growth plate – physis, which is a weak area situated at the rear-most part of the heel. The inflammation often occurs due to too much stress on the growth plate.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are often caused by incorrect nail trimming or wearing tight socks and shoes. However, there are certain inherited cases where the nails just curve inwards. Infection can happen, if and when the nails break the skin. It is important for parents to let the doctor handle the situation and get the necessary treatment advice as opposed to trying to get the nail out while at home.
Blisters
Blisters are a common foot problem that both children and adults face. In most cases, blisters can be painful but they are never an indication of any underlying adverse condition. A common cause of the problem is friction from shoes that irritate the soles of the feet. Worn out shoes, poorly designed shoes, and even new shoes can rub the soles of the feet causing irritation. It is important to check your child’s shoes for any spots if you note that the child has blisters that are translucent or red and have a fluid. Constant rubbing or squeezing of the blister can cause them to burst, leading to infections. If the blisters prevail even after a few days of home treatment, you should call Dr. Jarman or your pediatrician.
In some cases, the child might not be having blisters rather warts. Warts can resemble blisters, and when rubbed they can develop blisters. Warts do not have a fluid. To identify them on your child, look for hard fleshy growths on the feet. These growths are not painful, but they can cause uncomfortable pressure on certain tender areas of the child’s feet.
Plantar Wart (Verruca Plantar is)
Though warts can grow on any part of the feet but often appear on the soles of the feet. They are caused by the human papillomavirus, a virus known to cause warts in other parts of the body. However, the virus is more prevalent in children and adolescents. Plantar warts grow skin deep on the soles of the feet making it painful to walk or stand.
Keeping Children’s Feet Healthy is Important
As parents, taking care of your children’s health should come first. Never ignore the health of your child’s feet. If you see or believe, your child is suffering from any feet/foot related problems, please contact Pediatric Foot and Ankle in Gilbert, Arizona today for an evaluation by Dr. Jarman. Call 480 497-3946 or contact us for an appointment.
