Foot Solutions Blog » Children’s Foot Care

Treating Heel Pain in Children

admin — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:35:32 +0000

The summer season is in full swing, which means play time for kids everywhere. But along with summertime fun often comes foot and heel pain in children- and it is more prevalent now than ever.

The most common cause of heel pain in children is Sever’s disease - an inflammation of the growth center at the back of the heel:

It is most commonly seen in active youngsters (especially those playing organized sports) between 8 and 15 years of age

Most children with Sever’s disease have a tendency towards a flat foot (pronation) and a tight Achilles tendon.

Symptoms are very similar to adults with plantar fasciitis; pain is felt after sitting or upon arising in the morning, and as the condition progresses, also with walking and running.

Treating heel pain in children

Treatment is geared towards:
1. mechanically sound shoes
2. Achilles tendon stretching (see stretches below)
3. arch supports

Most sports shoes with cleats have very little arch support and need to be supplemented. Ice applied topically after activity and occasional over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication (as long as there is no contraindication) can also be considered. In some cases custom orthotics are needed and in the most severe cases, cast immobilization to rest the heel is employed.

Children will outgrow the condition as the growth center fuses to the main body of the heel bone (calcaneus). If symptoms do not respond to stretching, ice, changing of shoes, and arch supports, see your local foot professional.

Achilles Tendonitis Stretches

[View with PicLens]

Dr. Richard Bellacosa, DPM is a podiatrist with San Antonio Podiatry Associates, P.C. and is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association. Dr. Bellacosa is also an associate professor with the Podiatry Service of the Department of Orthopedics at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Childrens Feet- What Every Parent Should Know

admin — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:46:02 +0000

Fact: Your children’s feet grow fastest during their first 4 to 5 years of life. Suri Cruise may look cute playing dress-up in her heels, but she’s risking some long term damage if she wears them for hours at a time. Cramped feet simply can not develop properly- that’s why its critical for parents to know when its time to change shoes. Certified Pedorthist Greg Mills gives you guidelines to help protect your children’s feet from pain and long term damage:

The growth plates in children’s bones don’t finish closing until age 15-17 in boys and 13-15 in girls. When overly stressed, these plates are more susceptible to injury. Kids’ feet can very easily outgrow shoes in a single month during a growth spurt, you already know this, but what’s more important is to understand what you can do to protect your children’s feet and prevent foot pain.

Improperly fitted shoes can cause foot pain, but children don’t always know when their shoes are too small. Training kids to realize when shoes are too small can help, but parents should always double check.

Frequent checks for proper fit are essential. There should be about a thumbs width of space between their longest toe and the end of the shoe, never touching the end.

The general timeline for buying children shoes is every 3 months until age 4 or 5 and no more than every 6 months until their mid teens.

Breathable footwear materials are essential.

Due to their endless energy, kids’ feet sweat….. A LOT! Many cheap shoes are made from synthetic materials that don’t breathe at all! The result- wet, stinky, unhealthy feet. Adding moisture wicking socks can prevent blisters and greatly reduce the risk of fungal foot problems. Plus kids love them.

Inserts can dramatically improve most children’s gait and improve function of the knees, hips and lower back
especially when they over pronate (roll in at the ankles).

However, kids are still developing their muscular-skeletal systems. Inserts also greatly improve comfort, balance, confidence and athletic performance, giving them an advantage. Unlike adults, custom made inserts are rarely needed for children. Over the counter (OTC) styles work very well for most. Children’s feet out grow inserts just like shoes, so replacing them with OTC styles is more economical. If your children have ever complained of pain, make sure to check the feet!

Suri Cruise in High Heels- Inappropriate?

admin — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 19:49:14 +0000

Little girls love to play dress-up, but is Suri Cruise taking it one step too far? Dressing up like a princess is a favorite past time for little girls- lipstick, heels, and a beautiful tairra. But heels shouldn’t be a staple accessory for little girls, especially as their feet are growing. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen Suri in heels, and I don’t think it’ll be the last.

Quoting from the article in December 21st issue of STAR Magazine:

Little Suri Cruise is already a budding fashionista– but her feet may be paying the price! “Like every little girl, she loves high heels,” says Katie Holmes about her 3-year-old daughter’s latest obsession. “They are actually ballroom-dancing shoes for kids.” But Dr. Ray Margiano, a certified pedorthist, warns the footwear is better off staying in the closet. “They are dangerous,” says the Marietta, GA expert, who has not worked with Suri. “The bones of a young child are still soft because they are growing, so her feet will form the wrong way. Suri runs a very high risk of having trouble walking, running, standing and balancing.”

Its your turn to weigh in- is Suri in trouble or should she be left alone?