The foot bones, ligaments, and tendons in kids are rapidly growing and more susceptible to injury and disease until the initial burst in growth phases has subsided. Pay attention to how developing children walk and move to notice problems with their feet since they may not correctly articulate the issue. For proper children’s foot care, be sure to have your kids see their foot doctor regularly throughout childhood to catch and correct problems as they arise and to prevent unnecessary complications.

4 common foot and ankle problems experienced by children usually include one or more of the following:

• Sprained and strained ankles—This is perhaps not surprisingly one of the most common injuries in children and adults alike. Ankle sprains in children heal more quickly, but you should always have them treated promptly and properly by your foot doctor to avoid future complications.
• Sever’s disease—This is a disorder that affects the heel’s growth plates as they fail to keep up with the growth of the heel bones. It is similar to Osgood Schalter’s disease that affects the knee joints. In time, the plates catch up to the bones for many cases, and pain and discomfort subsides. See your foot doctor to make sure things are going correctly.
• Achilles tendon problems—The insertion point where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel is often the site of tendonitis in children. Achilles tendonitis responds well to rest and cold therapy. See your foot doctor if heel pain persists.
• Toe and foot fractures—Acute breaks and stress fractures are more common in kids since their bones are still developing and haven’t reached their full strength.

Children often outgrow foot and ankle issues, but to make sure things are progressing normally, be sure to see your podiatrist for the proper diagnosis, advice, and treatment. Call Syracuse Podiatry, located in East Syracuse, New York. Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, and Dr. Donal M. Erickson, and their staff will help you diagnose and treat your foot or ankle condition. Call 315-446-3668 or make an appointment online today.