Prevent your child from getting this painful foot problem

Parents can prevent a common childhood foot problem by following some simple recommendations, according to a Chicago foot and ankle surgeon.

Chicago foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Thomas Carr, says ingrown toenails are one of the most frequent conditions he treats in children. Many kids hide their ingrown toenails from their parents, even though the condition can cause significant pain. An ingrown nail can break the skin and lead to dangerous infections.

Dr. Carr blames tight shoes, tight socks and incorrect nail trimming for most cases. In others, the children may inherit the tendency for nails to curve. Dr. Carr shares the following tips from the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

Teach children how to trim their toenails properly. Trim toenails in a fairly straight line, and don't cut them too short.

Make sure children's shoes fit. Shoe width is more important than length. Make sure that the widest part of the shoe matches the widest part of your child's foot.

If a child develops a painful ingrown toenail, reduce the inflammation by soaking the child's foot in room-temperature water and gently massaging the side of the nail fold.

The only proper way to treat a child's ingrown toenail is with a minor surgical procedure at a doctor's office. Parents should never try to dig the nail out or cut it off. These dangerous "bathroom surgeries" carry a high risk for infection. Dr. Carr says he may prescribe antibiotics to children with infected ingrown toenails.

For more information on pediatric foot problems such as ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Carr at 312-337-9900 or conveniently schedule an appointment online at www.chicagopodiatry.com.

Five Signs Your Child May Have a Foot Problem

Foot and ankle problems in children often go unnoticed. Signs and symptoms can be subtle, and sometimes children can’t explain what’s wrong. But it’s important to protect growing feet and have problems checked out early.

Dr. Thomas Carr, a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, offers five warning signs parents should watch for.

1. Your Kids Can’t Keep Up with Their Peers
If children lag behind in sports or backyard play, it may be because their feet or legs are tired. Fatigue is common when children have flat feet. The muscles in the feet and legs tire easily because the feet are not functioning as well as they should.

2. Children Voluntarily Withdraw from Activities they Usually Enjoy
If they are reluctant to participate, it may be due to heel pain - a problem often seen in children between the ages of 8 and 14. Repetitive stress from sports may cause muscle strain and inflammation of the growth plate, a weak area at the back of a child’s heel.

3. They Don’t Want to Show You Their Feet
Children may feel pain or notice a change in the appearance of their feet or nails but don’t tell their parents because they fear a trip to the doctor’s office. Dr. Carr encourages parents to make a habit of inspecting their child’s feet starting at a young age. Look for any changes such as calluses, growths, skin discoloration, or redness and swelling around the toenails.

4. Your Child Often Trips and Falls
Repeated clumsiness may be a sign of in-toeing, balance problems or neuromuscular conditions.

5. The Child Complains of Pain
It is never normal for a child to have foot pain. Injuries may seem minor, but if pain or swelling last more than a few days, have your child’s foot examined.

If you've noticed any of these signs in your children, call Dr. Carr's office for an assessment or conveniently schedule your appointment online at www.chicagopodiatry.com.