Injuries and illnesses are a part of life. Luckily, most of them are avoidable or easily treatable. This also applies to foot conditions in children. If you have children, it is important to stay on top of their health, so they can grow and develop without issues. When it comes to foot health, there’s a lot you can do to avoid injuries and conditions.
Here are some common pediatric foot issues and tips on how you can protect your child’s feet.
Warts
Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a virus that can be contracted through contact with contaminated surfaces. The HPV virus enters the body through tiny cuts or breaks in the skin on the bottom of the foot and causes plantar warts to form.
Plantar warts usually appear as small, flesh-colored bumps on the soles of the feet. They may have black dots in them, which are blood vessels that have grown into the wart. Plantar warts can cause pain when walking or standing if they grow large enough to press on a nerve.
There are some things children can do to avoid plantar warts, including:
- Wear shoes or socks that fit well and cover the feet completely. This will help protect the feet from coming into contact with HPV, which can cause plantar warts.
- Avoid walking barefoot in public places, such as locker rooms, pools, and showers. HPV can be present on these surfaces and lead to infection if the foot comes into direct contact.
- Keep the feet clean and dry. Moisture provides an ideal environment for HPV to thrive, so it’s important to keep the feet as dry as possible.
Heel Pain
Children can also experience heel pain. Some of the common causes of heel pain in kids include:
- Athletic activities: Running and jumping can put a lot of stress on the heels and lead to pain. Try to limit your child’s time spent participating in activities that put repetitive stress on the heels, such as running or jumping.
- Ill-fitting shoes: Shoes that don’t fit well can cause the heels to rub against shoes, leading to irritation and pain. Encourage your child to wear comfortable, supportive shoes that fit well and do not rub or pinch the feet. If your child plays sports, it is important that they wear activity-appropriate footwear.
Ingrown Nails
Ingrown nails occur when the edge of a nail grows into nearby skin. This can happen when the nails are not cut properly or if they are too long. Ingrown nails are pretty common in children. They can be very painful and can cause infection if they pierce the skin. To prevent ingrown nails in children, make sure to trim their nails straight across and not too short.
Treatment for Pediatric Foot Injuries and Conditions in Cincinnati, OH
If your child needs treatment for their foot issue, choose the podiatrists at Cincinnati Foot & Ankle Care for expert care. Our podiatrists are foot and ankle surgeons who treat common and uncommon pediatric foot conditions. We have decades of training and experience to give your child the best possible podiatry care. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, call our location nearest you or use our convenient online request form.
