If your child is experiencing pain in the foot or is having trouble keeping up with their friends, he or she may be suffering from one of the common conditions that often affect their feet. Treat these complaints to prevent a small problem from becoming a huge one! So today, Dr. Joel Segalman, Dr. Stephen Lazaroff, and Dr. Brittany Ciaramello at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC, in New Haven County and Fairfield County, are sharing information regarding several common types of foot problems they see in children.
Ingrown Toenails: Many people don’t realize it, but ingrown nails can be a common problem for children. Several factors can contribute to this condition, including tight shoe gear or improper trimming of nails. Treat ingrown nails as soon as possible to avoid infection.
Flat Feet: If your child is altering how they walk or complaining their feet, ankles, or knees are painful, they could be suffering from flat feet. This condition puts stress on the tendons and joints, resulting in pain and fatigue in the legs and foot. It can be remedied with custom orthotics, which put the foot in a correct position.
Warts: These can appear out of nowhere and be very painful and difficult to treat. Because of the thickness of the plantar skin, these warts can be very stubborn, and in many cases, freezing alone is not enough to solve the problem. Getting rid of warts completely often requires a combination of topical medication and surgical removal for full resolution.
Heel Pain: Just like adults, children can experience heel pain, but the reason behind it can be quite different. Heel pain can be a serious condition, and it is sometimes the result of issues with the child’s growth plate. Assess children with heel pain and treat to prevent long-term effects.
Shin splints: This is a condition children can experience with an increased level of activity. It occurs when there is excessive force in the muscles located close to the bone, resulting in pain and inflammation. Shin splints should be evaluated and remedied with orthotics and anti-inflammatories to decrease pain as children continue to develop.
If your child is suffering from any of these conditions, contact Dr. Joel Segalman, Dr. Stephen Lazaroff, and Dr. Brittany Ciaramello at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC in New Haven County and Fairfield County to schedule a consultation. You can reach our Waterbury office at (203) 755-0489 or our Newtown office at (203) 270-6724.