Foot conditions in adults are the most talked about. Does it mean kids never face any problems in this area? Surprisingly, they also encounter many foot conditions similar to grown-ups. Or, children can be more vulnerable than adults because of their rapid physical growth and activities. Some conditions can disappear with time, but correct diagnosis and treatment eliminate the risk of any developing underlying medical condition. Such an approach is also necessary to protect them from pain or other problems. Common foot and lower limb concerns include heel pain, in-toe or out-toe walking, toe walking, flat feet, etc. Where should you seek help for any of these paediatric problems? Find a foot clinic in Singapore where you can access a trained paediatric podiatrist.
For immediate help, you can visit https://feetfirstpodiatry.com.sg. Remember, a reliable clinic will have certified child podiatrists and services to treat various foot and lower limb conditions. Let’s understand the role of podiatrists and the different foot conditions they can fix in kids.
Paediatric Podiatrists
These doctors specialise in feet and lower limb treatments for kids. Often, parents avoid taking their kids to a specialist, believing their condition will improve as they grow. While some conditions improve, correct diagnosis and guidance can save your kid from deteriorating foot problems and prevent the onset of unwanted symptoms. The doctors will examine your kid’s feet, ankles, and lower limbs that form the kinetic chain. Their care plan can focus on prehabilitation to prevention methods. Depending on their observation, they can recommend footwear, orthotics (customised insoles), rehabilitation programmes, strapping, etc.
Feet conditions in children treated by podiatrists in the foot clinic
Growing kids often suffer heel pain induced by Sever’s disease or injury. It afflicts physically active children more, causing the growth plate in the heel bone to become inflamed. Repetitive pressure on the heel is the main culprit behind this condition. Kids with compromised mobility, flat feet, and others can be highly vulnerable. At the same time, athletic adolescents participating in jumping and running games are also exposed. Sometimes, adolescents who use flat shoes experience this problem, too. For this condition, a well-versed podiatrist can suggest various care management solutions, including custom insoles, strapping methods, therapies, activity guidance, exercises, etc.
Another common concern can be flat feet with little or no arch. You can identify this by looking at your kid’s feet if they remain flat on the floor. The flatness of the feet is not an abnormality but can cause musculoskeletal challenges due to excessive burden on the kinetic chain and supporting structures. In Singapore, many kids have flat feet due to their genetics. Since a flat foot is not a foot condition, it doesn’t need any treatment. However, podiatrists can offer congruent options to support this structure and relieve your kid’s pain, cramps, and other symptoms. Generally, they advise exercises, custom insoles, and footwear selection.
Like these, some kids walk with their feet pointing inward or outward. Intoeing is called pigeon-toed gait. Such walking patterns increase falling and tripping risks. Out-toeing can be caused by flat feet or severe pronation. You can be sure of this issue in your kid if their feet point outward instead of straight while walking. A well-equipped foot clinic will have efficient doctors to fix these issues.
Please pay attention to your kid’s feet and lower limbs, especially in their growth years. Timely treatment can prevent many unwanted health developments.