Plenty of children and teens have more energy than they know what to do with. Going to parks like the Walter Elisha Park here in Indian Land, or encouraging your teen to participate in sports, lets your children burn off that energy while staying healthy and having fun. So when your otherwise active child develops a limp that makes normal play difficult and uncomfortable, you know you need to do something about it. Foot conditions like Freiberg’s disease are not common, but they can painfully limit your child and keep him or her from favorite activities. Fortunately, there are many treatment options that could help.

Freiberg’s disease is a problem with the breakdown and flattening of a metatarsal bone where it meets its toe. This creates stiffness, pain, and a limited range of motion in the ball of the foot. Since it feels worst under pressure, playing sports and otherwise being active becomes very uncomfortable for your child.

Treatment options for something like Freiberg’s disease depend on how serious the condition already is; however, here are some possible remedies that may help:

  • Reducing activities – Not matter how mild or severe, your child will have to cut back on all hard impact or high pressure activities that could make forefoot pain worse.
  • Orthotics or shoe changes – Changing your footwear to more supportive, cushioned styles—or supplementing shoes with orthotics—can help cushion the ball of your foot and alleviate pressure there.
  • Immobilization – For some cases, wearing a cast and avoiding all weight-bearing activities is important to let the inflamed soft tissues and bone heal.
  • Anti-inflammatories – Some people benefit from anti-inflammatory medication. Our team will recommend youth-safe ones if your child needs them.
  • Surgery – In rare cases, surgery to correct the problem may be your son or daughter’s best option.

Our team at Carolina Podiatry Group can help you decide on the best treatments for your son or daughter’s unique needs. Don’t wait too long to get help—the condition will only get worse. Make an appointment at our offices near Charlotte and Rock Hill, South Carolina. Use our online request form or call us: (803) 548-FEET for Indian Land, or (803) 285-1411 for Lancaster.

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