As parents, we all want the best for our children, especially when it comes to their health and well-being. We’re always looking for ways to support their growth and development. But there’s one area that often gets overlooked: their feet. That’s why podiatry for children is so beneficial.
Whether your child is running around at recess, playing sports, or simply being active in their day-to-day life, their feet take on a lot of pressure and stress. That’s why it’s so important to schedule regular podiatry assessments for your children, not just to check for skin or nail issues but also to evaluate their biomechanics and overall foot health.
Podiatrists commonly see children with growing pains, walking difficulties and sports-related pain, in addition to health-related conditions such as childhood arthritis, prematurity and neuro-developmental challenges, all of which can make children less active than their healthy peers.
Ensuring access to podiatry can help children have healthy opinions, choices, and habits towards exercise and activity in childhood that can transfer into adulthood and support longer-term health and well-being.
Biomechanical Assessment: Preventing Future Issues
The way a child’s feet and legs move can significantly impact their overall health. Poor biomechanics can lead to a wide range of issues, including knee, hip, or lower back pain. 1 in 4 children experience musculoskeletal pain. Foot pain is the most common musculoskeletal problem in age 10-13 years. Foot impairment can persist into adulthood and more serious joint pains must be spotted early such as juvenile arthritis, where 60% of children have problems as adults.
A podiatrist can assess your child’s walking or running pattern and identify any abnormalities early on. By correcting these issues with custom orthotics or targeted exercises, we can help ensure your child avoids long-term problems as they grow.
Preventing Sports Injuries
Active kids, especially those involved in sports, are at a higher risk for injuries like sprains, strains, stress fractures and even growth-related injuries. Many of these injuries can be prevented by properly evaluating their feet and biomechanics.
A podiatry assessment can identify weak spots or overuse patterns, allowing us to make recommendations for footwear, stretches, or strengthening exercises to minimise risk.
Skin and Nail Health: Catching Problems Early
It’s not just about biomechanics. The skin and nails of a child’s feet require attention as well. Conditions like fungal infections, ingrown toenails, blisters, calluses, and warts are common, especially for kids who are constantly on the go. Early treatment can prevent these issues from becoming more serious or painful.
Proper Footwear: A Key to Foot Health
Choosing the right shoes for your child is crucial, especially when they’re active. Many children wear shoes that don’t properly support their feet, or choose the correct shoe for the activity i.e. netball shoes or tennis shoes. This can contribute to problems like blisters, bunions, or even more serious structural issues down the line. During assessment, a podiatrist can provide guidance on the best footwear for your child’s foot type and activity level.
When Should You Book a Podiatry Appointment for you Child?
If your child is showing any signs of discomfort or complaining about foot or leg pain—whether it’s from activity or just general care—it’s time to schedule a podiatry assessment.
Don’t wait for foot pain to become a bigger problem—schedule a podiatry assessment for your child today!
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The human foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art.