Should Your Child See a Podiatrist?

Healthy feet are a critical component of a healthy life. If your feet don’t work the way they should, or quickly become painful or sore after a short period of time, it keeps you from getting through your day, enjoying hobbies, or simply getting the exercise and maintaining your fitness and health.

Establishing healthy habits early in life is one of the best ways to stay active and healthy for a lifetime, so identifying and treating childhood foot problems as quickly as possible is very important. Does your child need to see a podiatrist? Here are some signs that they might:

• Your child experiences a direct injury to their feet or ankles, such as an ankle sprain, muscle strain, shin splints, etc. Obviously if there is an emergency (such as an open wound or complex fracture) they should go to the hospital, but beyond that a podiatrist (who specializes exclusively in feet and ankles) is the best choice for further care.
• Your child complains about foot, ankle, or leg soreness or pain. If you hear from them directly, especially more than once after separate activities, take them seriously. A few aches every now and then are normal, but pain is not.
• Your child shows indirect signs of pain. This is a little trickier. Your child might not express their discomfort to you verbally, either because they can’t, or don’t want to, or don’t think to. Perhaps you notice that they suddenly seem to avoid standing, walking, or running, or withdraw (or quit early) from activities and sports they ordinarily enjoy.
• Something looks “not quite right” about the way your child is walking. For example, their legs might be bowed out, or knees knocking together. Toes might point in or out when standing, or they might only walk on their tiptoes. Maybe their arches are flat. Granted, kids don’t walk just like adults do right out of the gate, but you should be vigilant in observing potential gait issues.

If you notice any of the above signs, it’s always a wise move to schedule an appointment for you and your little one at the Kansas Foot Center. Not all childhood foot conditions need treatment—some correct on their own, given enough time—but if your child does need further care or observation, the sooner the better. In fact, if you’ve never taken your little one to the podiatrist, consider making at least one appointment sometime while they’re still growing just for a check-up. Something you and your child overlooked may be identified and, when treated, allow them healthier, freer, and less painful movement.

To schedule your appointment, give us a call today at (866) 222-5177.