Children's Feet
Children's Feet
There’s no secret when it comes to children. They’d rather walk than crawl, run than walk, jump, skip and play all day. So when it comes to children’s feet, it is very important to ensure they’re developing pain free so they can keep up with their peers and remain active.
Some children however, develop an unusual gait (walking/ running style), or complain of pain in the feet or legs. This unfortunately makes it difficult for them to enjoy everyday activities and hinders them from joining in activities.
Some unusual gait styles that are commonly diagnosed in developing children can range from intoe walking (pigeon walking), tripping over regularly, tippy-toe walking (heels elevated) or knock knees.
Common complaints of pain in the feet and legs for developing children can include; severs (growing pain – notable in the back of the heel below the Achilles); plantar warts (common in sporting kids especially those that swim), knee pain (sporting activities involving jumping) and heel pain.
These issues may be developmental, activity/ sports based and temporary sometimes referred to as ‘‘growing pains’’ and resolve over time. In other circumstances podiatry intervention and treatment may be required.
Common Questions
Pain in the ball of the foot: You may experience a sharp, shooting, or burning pain in the area between the toes and the arch of the foot.
Toe discomfort: You may feel like there’s something inside your shoe, such as a pebble or sock bunched up, causing discomfort or pain.
Numbness or tingling: You might experience sensations of numbness or tingling in the toes or ball of the foot.
Worsening with activity: The pain and discomfort may worsen with activities that involve pressure on the foot, such as walking or running.
Relief with rest: Resting and removing footwear may alleviate the symptoms temporarily.
Foot sensitivity: The affected area may become more sensitive to touch or pressure.
Short term management of morton’s neuroma include;
Wearing comfortable shoes with a wide toe box and low heels.
Using orthotic devices or shoe inserts to provide support and relieve pressure on the affected area.
Applying ice packs to reduce inflammation and pain.
Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to alleviate pain and reduce swelling.
Long term management of morton’s neuroma include;
Steroid injections: Corticosteroid injections into the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Decompression surgery: In more severe cases, surgical removal of the neuroma may be necessary to relieve symptoms.
Prevention: To help prevent Morton’s neuroma or reduce its recurrence, you can:
Wear properly fitted shoes with adequate room for your toes to move freely.
Avoid high heels or tight shoes that compress the toes.
Use arch supports or orthotic devices if you have foot abnormalities or flat feet.
Practice proper foot hygiene and maintain a healthy weight.
Sesamoiditis
Sesamoiditis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the sesamoid bones or the surrounding tissues. Sesamoid bones are small, pea-sized bones located within certain tendons, typically in the hands and feet. However, the sesamoid bones in the feet, particularly the big toe, are the ones most affected by sesamoiditis.