FOOT PAIN TREATMENT – EXPERT DIAGNOSTICS, KINGSBRIDGE

COMMON FOOT PROBLEMS WE SEE IN CHILDREN

 

Sever’s Disease

Sever's disease is a painful inflammation of the heel's growth plate in children and adolescents (ages 8-14) caused by repetitive stress from growth spurts and physical activity. Symptoms include heel pain, especially during activity, tenderness to the touch, and sometimes swelling or limping. Treatment involves reducing activity, applying ice, wearing supportive footwear, and stretching tight calf muscles.

Physically active children and those going through growth spurts often get Sever’s disease. Physical activity causes heel pain, especially afterward. As a result, a child’s ability to participate in sports or play can be limited, affecting their overall fitness levels and weight gain. We can offer inserts to reduce pain levels during this growth period here at the Footfix centre.

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Verrucas

Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes plantar warts on the soles of the feet. They can be painful, especially if they’re on weight-bearing parts of the foot. Children may have trouble walking or standing, and the virus can spread easily in shared spaces like locker rooms. Topical or microwave therapy here at the Footfix centre can help your child with their verrucas.

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Ingrowing Toenails

An ingrown toenail causes pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection when the corner or side grows into the soft flesh, sometimes picking the nails can be a cause, as well as tight shoes, trauma from sports or genetic nail shape. Ingrowing toenails can be painful, making it hard for children to wear shoes or participate in activities. The infection can lead to medical problems if left untreated. Conservative and surgical management to resolve this is available here at the Footfix centre.

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Flat Feet in Children

Flat feet are among the common foot problems, also known as pes planus. This absence of a visible arch can be a normal part of development in many children, as arches can take time to develop fully. It usually takes three to six years for foot arches to develop. During this time, you might have temporary flat feet. However, persistent flat feet might follow you into adulthood or cause pain and difficulty in physical activities.

This common children’s foot problem might cause problems for tendons, ligaments, and bones if not forming the arch effectively. Symptoms of this condition are:

• Fatigue in their feet

• Pain along the arch or heel

• A noticeable change in walking pattern

• Supportive Footwear. Children can stabilise their feet if their shoes have good arch support and a firm heel counter. Shoes that are too soft or flexible can make it worse.

• Orthotic Devices. Custom orthotics or over-the-counter inserts can help which we can provide for your child here at the Footfix Centre. Basically, they help distribute pressure more evenly across your foot by fitting inside your shoes.

• Stretching Exercises. It’s common for flat feet to have tight Achilles tendons. Children can help loosen these tendons by stretching exercises.​​