10 WARNING SIGNS THAT YOUR CHILD IS SUFFERING FROM A FOOT, ANKLE, OR SECONDARY CONDITION
Regardless of the severity of the pain, children’s feet and lower bodies should not hurt. Growing pains are a myth. Although some pediatricians may suggest that they will go away, the truth is that “growing pains” are often the result of real conditions that require treatment.
The most common causes of foot, ankle, and lower body pain in children and young adults are the result of faulty biomechanics, genetics, traumatic injury, and/ or overuse.
Rest alone will not solve the issue, you need to have their posture, foot mechanics, and training techniques evaluated.
WARNING SIGNS THAT YOUR CHILD NEEDS HELP AND IS SUFFERING FROM A FOOT, ANKLE, OR SECONDARY CONDITION
1. Complaining of pain, cramping, or numbness in the foot, ankle, knee, hip, and lower back
2. Repetitive or reoccurring injuries relative to the feet, ankles, or lower body extremities
3. Fatigue – Can’t keep up during sports-related activities
4. Avoiding sports and physical activities
5. Stumbling or tripping
6. Trouble sleeping
7. Hiding their feet
8. Rolling of ankle
9. Change in gait
10. Poor Posture
The most common cause of these problems is poor mechanics of the foot and ankle, as they are unable to support the rest of the body. As a result, the body tries to compensate for these foot and ankle weaknesses by placing excess abnormal pressure on the hips, knees, legs, and back. Misalignment causes strain, and strain causes pain. This can lead to one of several foot conditions, including plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and Achilles tendon problems.
These issues, injuries, and conditions need to be corrected and treated early on to prevent further damage, worsening conditions, and the possibility of lifelong pain and suffering. Some of these issues, injuries, and conditions are more noticeable than others, but regardless, the good news is that almost all of them can be easily and effectively treated with a custom orthotic.
Don’t wait. Take action. Call our office today (610) 522-9200 or use our contact form to schedule a biomechanical examination with one of our pediatric sports medicine podiatry specialists at our Marlton, N.J., Sports Medicine Podiatry Center or Ridley Park, PA., office location. Our team of pediatric podiatry specialists treats children, teens, and athletes of all ages experiencing pain or discomfort in the feet, ankles, legs, knees, hips, back, and lower body.