Parents never like to see their children in pain and will do everything they can to help. But sometimes, it isn’t entirely clear what the problem is. Sometimes, the cause of a child’s pain might be downright mysterious.
For example, imagine that your child comes to you one morning complaining of heel pain. That might seem odd. What could they have done while sleeping that would cause their heel to hurt? Maybe they mention it several days in a row. And then maybe they mention that their heels hurt when they climb stairs. You might watch them go up a flight of stairs just to see if you notice anything amiss. You might still be scratching your head when they tell you that standing for any significant length of time makes their heels hurt, too.
At this point, you may not know the cause of the problem, but it has probably become pretty obvious that you need to take your child to see a physician—and in this particular case, a podiatrist is in order.
The Problem May Be Plantar Fasciitis
The symptoms we have described above could be the result of a couple of different issues. One is a pediatric condition known as Sever’s Disease. The other is plantar fasciitis. Your podiatrist will be able to make the correct diagnoses and provide you with a range of treatment options.
If the issue is plantar fasciitis, your podiatrist may recommend rest, icing, and shoes that offer better support (orthopedic inserts may also be helpful for some children). Exercises of the foot and calf, as well as anti-inflammatory medications, may also be recommended. In some cases, physical therapy may be called for to correct a child’s gait.
How Did We Get Here?
You will no doubt be relieved to have a diagnosis and a treatment plan that will relieve your child’s pain. But you are probably also curious about how your kid developed the issue in the first place. It’s a natural question—and one that might have a number of different answers.
However, when it comes to kids and plantar fasciitis, likely culprits include:
- Overuse—especially in particularly active young people
- Participation in a high impact sport (or sports)
- Shoes that fit poorly and do not provide proper levels of support
Knowing the causes can help you work toward making it less likely that your child will have an ongoing issue with plantar fasciitis. As you have probably noticed, properly fitted footwear—with cushioned soles and good arch support—can be a central part of the solution. Your child may not always let you know when their shoes are wearing out or becoming too small, so it is important to keep an eye on them—especially if they are involved in sports. Many a problem can be headed off by paying attention to the condition of a child’s footwear.
And while we’re on the subject, it is important to remember that you need quality footwear as well. After all, plantar fasciitis is a problem that can impact anyone—child or adult—and the pain can put limits on an active lifestyle.
Get the Right Diagnosis From InStride Carolina Podiatry Group
When it comes to healthcare—whether for an adult or a child—expertise and experience are simply essential. If your child is experiencing pain in their feet or ankles, the doctors of InStride Carolina Podiatry Group can help. We will identify the problem, offer solutions, and provide exceptional care so that your child can get back to the activities they enjoy without limitations caused by ongoing pain.
Contact us today so that we can get started putting an end to the pain your child is experiencing.