Your Back to School Foot & Leg Checklist

So school’s back and your kids are wearing down the tread on their shoes all over again! It’s that time of year again, time to check in and see how their feet and legs are travelling after the summer holidays. Interestingly, we know that kids should see the dentist every 6- 12 months but how often should you get their feet checked? Well, the answer is yearly!

So, as it’s the start of the year we’ve put together a checklist of 10 things that we would want to see your child for. You may or may not be able to pick up these potential problems in your children, which is why it’s so important to get in to see one of our professional podiatrists each year to keep your children’s feet and legs healthy for life.  On the other hand, after reading this list it could be glaringly obvious to you that your child needs an appointment.

TAKE THE FOOT & LEG CHECK TEST

1. Flat Feet
Problems caused by flat feet which you may have noticed include foot, ankle, shin, knee and back pain. If you’re not sure it’s key that you get your child in with a podiatrist to check for flat feet. Working out whether your child’s flat feet are likely to be causing problems now and into the future is what we do. It is not uncommon for parents to be horrified with how bad their children’s feet are in a consultation if they’ve never had a foot check done before.

2. Alignment problems
Knocked knees, bow legs, pigeon toes are considered alignment problems and are regularly assessed and treated by our podiatrists. Having a healthy alignment is important for the feet, ankles, knees and back in both the long and short term. If you notice any of these problems in your child it’s time to seek help!

3. Walking or running problems
We all know kids love to play, but if you notice your child tripping, falling or struggling to keep up this may indicate that something is not right.  An awkward gait, limping or poor running or walking styles are also little signs that you need to come and see us.

4. Growing pains
Whilst common elsewhere in the body, growing pains in the feet, knees and legs are not considered normal and there is a solution. Similarly, pain in the arches of the feet is a sign that something isn’t right. If your child is complaining of pain get them checked and keep them active for life.

5. Sports injuries
Kids often struggle on the sports field and after a game. There are specialised conditions that kids can suffer with which your podiatrists have skills in assessing and treating so that your child can stay on the field. If you notice any issues whilst they’re out playing sport, or if your child has recently had an injury we can help.

6. Uneven shoe wear
This can be a sign of a postural or walking/running problem. You can bring your child’s shoes into us for  further assessment and we can find the treatment or shoe that’s best for your child.

7. Plantar warts
Check the bottom of your child’s foot for lumps and bumps. Wart treatments aren’t what they used to be (see information on getting rid of warts here) and we get great results with these tough pests!

8. Ingrown toenails
They can be pesky and painful so they need the right care and advice. Pain, redness, discharge or additional bulky tissue around the edge of the nail is common and we treat these every day. Find out more about ingrown toenails and read about permanent solutions to ingrown toenails. 

9. Peeling or blistered skin
There are many conditions that we treat in kids; from tinea to bacterial infections with a potent smell. They all have their diagnosis and recommended treatment solutions so if you notice skin problems come in and get them checked!

10. Family history
Unfortunately foot problems run down the family tree. We are talking flat feet, bunions and even postural or alignment problems. Having a family history of a particular foot condition is sometimes advantageous because we can predict our concerns and prevent the problems which parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles have suffered.

If you are not sure that your child needs an appointment please feel free to call us for a FREE FOOT CHECK with one of our qualified podiatrists. Please note this is not a full appointment, it is a free screening check to see if we have any concerns with your child. If we would like to assess you further or discuss treatment we will recommend an appropriate appointment. If your condition requires another professional's help we would always make appropriate recommendations.

So get the year off to a great start and keep your kids ACTIVE FOR LIFE! If you are concerned about any of the above problems:                                         

P.S. If you know someone who may be interested in this information- please feel free to forward this article.