Children are prone to foot and ankle pain as much or perhaps even more than adults, depending on their age, activity level, and strength. Some ankle and foot pain is caused by direct trauma, and other conditions have their root in abnormalities of the foot or ankle.
At Tussey Mountain Foot & Ankle Specialists in State College, Pennsylvania, Dr. Andrew Bernhard and Dr. Kaitlyn Bernhard practice podiatry covering both adults’ and childrens’ feet.
Aside from sprains, strains, and foot fractures, children most commonly suffer from the following when it comes to foot and ankle pain:
Bunions occur when the bones in the foot are in the wrong positions, forcing the tip of the big toe inward and causing the bony bump at the base of the big toe to become enlarged, red, swollen, and painful.
Some children may be born with bunions, while others develop them later. There appears to be a genetic link, since children who have family members with bunions are more likely to also have bunions. Another risk factor for bunions is wearing shoes that are too narrow and tight.
Children are born with flat feet, and they eventually develop an arch between the heel and the ball of the foot. If the arch becomes too pronounced, strain increases across the foot and ankle. This condition is known as cavus foot. Children with cavus foot are at much higher risk for ankle sprains and fractures than their peers.
As mentioned, children are born with flat feet. However, if they don’t develop an arch in their foot by around age six, their flat feet may start to cause them pain. If your child’s feet are still flat and they stand or walk with their toes pointing outward after the age of six, it’s time to consult a podiatrist.
Sever’s disease causes swelling and inflammation centered around the growth plate located at the heel of the child’s foot. This condition is more common in children who play sports that involve running and jumping, but can also afflict kids who wear shoes without correct arch support.
Some children may outgrow their foot condition. Others may need podiatric help, usually in the form of orthotics (special shoe inserts), splints, braces or casting, physical therapy, or ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs), which are biomedical devices that attach to the outside of the foot or ankle to help correct an incorrect shape of the foot or ankle.
If you’ve noticed that your child’s foot and ankle development isn’t correct, or if your child is complaining of foot or ankle pain, contact us for help. You can reach our office at 814-831-7565, or request an appointment online.
