Keeping children active is key to keeping them healthy and happy. It helps them build strong bones and muscles, as well as maintain their quality of life even at such a young age. Their level of activity, however, can put their feet under stress. This makes them susceptible to foot pain and injuries.
As growing and active kids, working with a foot doctor Baltimore MD can ensure that your child’s feet remain healthy at all times. These professionals play an important role in taking care of your precious child’s foot health. With some tips and the help of these experts, you can keep your active kids’ feet healthy. Take a look.
Common Foot Problems in Kids
- Blisters
Blisters are small pockets or sacs of fluid that form on the skin. These typically develop from shoes that are either too tight or too loose, causing damage to the skin and giving the individual some pain.
- Fungal Nail Infections and Ingrown Nails
Nail problems are common in children and there are various reasons why kids get fungal nail infections or are prone to ingrown nails.
For one, they tend to get ingrown toenails because their nails may not be cut or trimmed properly and the toenail grows into the skin instead. Another reason why this might happen is that the shoes they’re wearing are too tight.
Ingrown nails can lead to inflammation and infection, making it difficult to move or walk. As active children, they can also get nail infections from wearing sweaty shoes, which can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Kids are also susceptible to getting fungus from public areas such as swimming pools and showers, both of which are warm and moist environments.
- Plantar Warts
In relation to the previous point, kids are normally prone to developing plantar warts since they tend to walk barefoot on public surfaces. Commonly found on wet or damp areas, plantar warts manifest in small, hard bumps at the soles of the feet.
Tips on Keeping Your Kids’ Feet Healthy
- See a Podiatrist Regularly
Growing pains are part of your kids’ life. If your children experience foot pains and discomfort, they should see a foot doctor Baltimore MD right away. These experts conduct thorough evaluations of your child’s foot structure and they provide treatment options to address these respective problems.
Stop pain and discomfort in its tracks by scheduling a visit to your foot doctor. Apart from early detection and intervention, these professionals are well-equipped to treat the host of foot problems and conditions mentioned beforehand. They can use topicals, laser treatments, and conduct procedures to get children back on their feet.
- Monitor Foot Growth
In order to keep track of their development, you may want to monitor their foot growth during this time. Their feet tend to grow rapidly, which is why checking their feet and whether they’re wearing the right shoe types and size is imperative. This step can prevent a number of foot problems, such as hammertoes, blisters, and bunions to name a few.
- Check Your Children’s Feet Daily
Children participate in various sports and activities. This makes them at risk for injuries and infections, so be sure to know signs to watch out for. Foot pain, gait changes, flat feet, and limping are just some aspects you need to look for.
- Teach Them Proper Foot Hygiene
At an early age, teaching your kids the importance of proper foot hygiene is vital. This sets them up for life and emphasis proper foot care. This is as simple as washing their feet every day with soap and water, getting in between their toes, and drying this afterward. Trimming their toenails and moisturizing their feet also keep infections at bay.
The Bottom Line
We want our children to lead happy, healthy, and active lives. By participating in sports and games, your kids can be whoever they want to be. With this guide, you can help them enjoy life and fitness at the same time.
If you have any concerns about your child’s foot health, reach out to a foot doctor Baltimore MD right away. These professionals can provide expert care and guidance that will ensure your child’s well-being.
