Areas of concern in pediatric podiatry

Childhood foot and ankle disorders are a common area of concern for parents. The problems range widely and while most are not serious some do require intervention. From time to time we will use this space to answer some common questions about pediatric podiatry. Is heel pain a normal sign of growing pains? Occasional heel pain is common in children, but that doesn’t mean it is normal. In children, the heel bone (calcaneus) is not fully developed until around ages 14 to 16. Until the heel bone is completely fused, new bone forms at the growth plate (physis), an area located at the back of the heel. Calcaneal Apophysitis, also known as Sever’s Disease, is the most common cause of heel pain in children ages 10 to 14. It is an inflammation (not really a disease) of the growth plate in the heel due to muscle strain and repetitive stress, especially in children who are very active or overweight. This condition causes pain and tenderness in the back and side of the heel, and may be painful when touched. Pain usually decreases when activity is reduced. The condition may recur off and on for several years until the growth plate closes. This type of “growing” pain should be professionally treated. Some simple but effective treatments can reduce pain and keep your child active. Can the right shoes affect these problems? Many adult foot problems can have their origins in childhood, so attention to footwear in children can minimize the risk of these problems in adults. Poorly fitting children’s shoes can lead to a number of problems in adulthood. Given the high level of pain and discomfort that these problems can cause, it is obviously logical to attempt to prevent these problems by ensuring that the child’s shoe is fitted appropriately. Foot problems in children are often preventable by properly fitting footwear.

You can learn more about pediatric podiatry at www.chicagopodiatry.com.