“NORMAL GROWING PAINS” IN A CHILD ARE NOT ALWAYS OK!

“NORMAL GROWING PAINS” IN A CHILD ARE NOT ALWAYS OK!

In the summer, moms like to make sure our toes look pretty and pedicured, but did you know there are several problems that start with our feet, especially in our children? Some of these can be painful, embarrassing, and make them walk awkwardly. They commonly occur in children and adolescents. The good news is, that there are treatments to the most common cases. But, why get there if we can prevent it, right?

Doctor Angela Drury, a board certified Podiatrist and Foot Surgeon, located in Austin, Texas, shared some wonderful information with our Little Roseberry families to help. I hope you find it useful as much as we did! Also, below are instructions for giving your child the best pedicure ever.

What is a Podiatrist? You may be wondering..

A podiatrist is a doctor that diagnoses, treats conditions affecting the foot, ankle and related structure of the legs.

If your precious child ever suffers from any of these conditions below, make sure you take action!

  1. Pain in a child’s foot or ankle is never normal. Any pain that limits a child walking for several days is not “normal growing pains” and should be evaluated by a pediatric foot and ankle specialist.
  1. Flat feet in children normally do not cause the same symptoms that may be apparent in teens or adults. However, this may cause children to appear to walk or run awkwardly or have trouble keeping up with their playmates. If parents notice this they should have their child evaluated. Occasionally, flat feet can cause pain and or cramping in feet, knees, legs or hips. If this is the case, parents should have their child’s feet evaluated by a pediatric foot expert.
  2. Heel pain otherwise known as Sever’s Disease is a painful inflammation of the heels growth plate. This problem can occur in children between the ages of 8-14. Bone is forming at the physis, otherwise known as the growth plate. This area is located at the back of the heel. When there is too much repetitive stress (i.e. kids playing sports) strain is put on the growth plate that is not yet developed, inflammation can occur causing pain.
  3. Ingrown toenails are another common foot problem seen in children. Ingrown nails are caused by tight shoes, socks, incorrect trimming or a genetically ingrown shape of the nails. When the nail breaks the skin, infections can occur. This is because the nail harbors bacteria which causes no harm to the nail plate but once the bacteria penetrate the skin (i.e. with break) infection will ensue. Parents should never perform bathroom surgery (i.e. digging the nail out). Treatment by a doctor is recommended. This is the most common cause of amputation of a toe if left untreated.
  4. Plantar warts can occur anywhere on the body but are commonly found on the bottom or plantar aspect of the foot. Hence, plantar warts. Warts are a blood born virus called the human papilloma virus. They commonly occur in children and adolescents. Warts have their own nerve and blood supply and if they are on the bottom of the foot walking on them can cause pain. Warts have a contagious component (meaning they can spread by human touch) so it is recommended they are treated by a physician. In my practice I like to excise them and send to pathology to confirm the diagnosis. The removal of the lesion usually takes care of the problem. By removing the nerve wart mass this alleviates the pain.

How to do a pedicure on children:

1. Wash their feet and scrub their ankles and knees with Little Roseberry Berry Shiny Body Wash. (One pump on a soft sponge is all you need.)

2. Make sure to clean between their toes to remove any debris left over from socks or dirt. Bacteria is not welcomed here!

3. Rinse any remaining body wash from the bottom of their feet to prevent accidents.

4. Dry their feet and carefully cut their toe nails. (I like to dress my son in comfortable pajamas to get him all cozy before doing this step. He is 6 and still gets a bit excited when he sees the nail clipper.)

5. Invest in a small nail file, make sure is a soft finish and gently buff the edge of their nails.

6. Apply Berry Silky lotion to the top of their feet and toe nails to hydrate their feet and give them the nutrients that their skin craves.

7. If your child suffers from eczema or dry skin, use the Soothing Creme to hydrate and repair.

8. And lastly, snap pictures of your precious loved one and post on social media with #LittleRoseberry

To contact doctor Angela, click on the information below.

Angela Drury, DPM, FACFAS
2312 Western Trails, Ste 103
Austin, TX 78745
info@angelafootdoctor.com

Phone: (512) 382-0773Fax: (512) 382-0772

Have a Berry Good Day and please share or comment below if you like our post this week. Also, let us know what else you would like to learn.




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