Common Foot Problems in Children - Insights from Podiatrist Doctor in Singa

If your child is complaining of foot pain, you should pay attention to it and seek medical assistance immediately. Experiencing foot pain is not normal, and it generally indicates a medical condition that should be addressed. Foot problems are primarily hereditary. Hence, when you get the pain diagnosed and work on it while your child's feet are still developing, he has a better chance of recovering. Here are some common causes of foot pain amongst children based on the insights shared by podiatrist doctors in Singapore:

• Ingrown toenails: This is common in children and can cause unbearable pain. Sometimes, the reason can be simple, like incorrectly cutting the nail. But if the ingrown nails are recurring, you should visit a podiatrist in Singapore and have your child checked. Another reason why your child may be suffering from this pain is because he is wearing ill-fitting shoes, which is putting pressure on his toes. 

• Fungal nail infection: This is more common in teenagers because they undergo hormonal changes and are more susceptible to infections. Closed and sweaty shoes are the perfect breeding ground for infections. If left unchecked, your child can, in the long run, suffer from athlete's foot and severe bacterial infections on the feet.

• Heel pain: As your child grows, the Achilles tendon in the calf muscle changes from cartilage to bone. If your child strains himself while playing sports or exercising, there may be pain in the bone and the ligaments surrounding the bone. As a result, he will suffer from heel pain, which can be pretty excruciating.

• Plantar warts: Caused by a virus, plantar warts tend to develop on the soles of the feet. Most parents confuse it with corns because they look pretty similar. But it is not the same thing. It would help to get your child checked immediately to be sure whether it is a corn or plantar wart. These warts also occur in other areas of the foot, but since the skin on the sole is slightly broken, the virus enters through it. 

• Bunions: It is not just an adult problem; children can also suffer from them. Ill-fitting shoes are often the culprit. Children with poor foot shape may inherit this condition from their parents. The misalignment of the foot makes it more susceptible to developing a protruding bone on the base of the big toe. Ensure your children always wear shoes that fit correctly and are comfortable to prevent this. 

• Ankle sprains: These are pretty common with active children. This pain tends to heal naturally with time. However, at times, the pain is severe, and it may be that your child is suffering from a ligament tear in the ankle. If proper care is not taken, the ankle joint tends to weaken. 

  
  

• Flat feet: How can you be sure that your child has this? If his feet have low arches or none at all, it means that your child has flat feet. You will notice that your child cannot walk correctly, and sometimes, he needs to put extra pressure on his feet. However, this can be handled with extra care and proper physical therapy at the right time. 

Summing it up:

Regardless of the type of foot pain your child is experiencing, seeking medical attention is crucial. Schedule an appointment with a podiatrist in Singapore for a comprehensive checkup. For more information on common foot problems in children, you can also visit https://feetfirstpodiatry.com.sg/.