5 Common Childhood Foot Injuries
Children [ chil-druhn ] noun
1) plural of child.
2) offspring carrying traits (and draining energy) from predescessors.
3) little creatures whose development consists of crawl, walk, run, jump, run some more, skip, more jumping, run fast, climb, etcetera
Joking aside, we love our little kiddos! Daily activities are great for keeping your kids on their feet—but because their bodies are still growing, they’re more susceptible to foot and ankle injuries than adults. Unlike an adult’s skeletal anatomy and physiology that is fully developed, a child’s bones are still growing and more vulnerable to deformation and injury. This can lead to conditions or problems that affect your child’s growth as they get older. Now, as much as you want to, you can’t just keep your child in a bubble until they’re done growing. Getting them outside is healthy and keeps your child active, and hey, accidents happen even if they're already using the best foot support for kids. But there are a few conditions and injuries you can at least be aware of to ensure the health and safety of your children’s feet.
1. Does Your Child Have Flat Feet?
Your child’s feet most likely don’t have the same arch that yours does. In fact, it’s normal in infants and young kids to have flat feet because the muscles and tissues haven’t completely formed yet. If your child has flat feet, there’s no need for treatment unless the condition is causing your child pain and affecting his or her day-to-day activities.
2. Ankle or Foot Sprains
Ankle or foot sprains are especially common in highly active youngsters who play sports like soccer or football. These sprains occur when the ligaments connected to the bones are stretched farther than they should be. Ankle sprains are particularly dangerous if they affect your child’s developing bones and cartilage, resulting in growth plate fractures. These oftentimes heal without too much of a problem, but it’s important to monitor the injury to avoid any future complications.
3. Severs Disease
Severs Disease, or “painful heel syndrome” is also common in kids who regularly participate in sports and have overused the heel bone. This condition affects the growth plate in your child’s foot, causing constant pain beneath or at the back of the heel. If your child complains of heel pain, it’s a good idea to seek treatment to avoid limping and other long-term effects of the condition.
4. Bunions
If you notice bumps on the inside of the ball of your child’s foot, it could be bunions. Caused by increased motion of the arch region, bunions can cause consistent pain and limit the activities and sports your child participates in. If your child has bunions, there are minimally invasive, growth plate procedures to correct the condition.
5. Stress Fractures and Tendonitis
Stress fractures and tendonitis are overuse injuries that are most common in older adolescents who are extremely active in sports like soccer or gymnastics. These injuries don’t pose any risk to your child’s growth plate, but they do inflict pain and discomfort in the affected area. If left untreated, these injuries can sideline your child from his or her sports activities. Luckily, there’s ways to avoid these overuse injuries by making sure your child rests his or her feet after practices and competitions.
If your child is suffering from any of these conditions or has complained of foot pain, check out our Pinnacle Junior Orthotic Insoles and KidSport Cushioning Insoles that can help provide extra comfort and support!
