It looks like spring is here to stay in Montgomery, with temperatures at or above average for this time of year – finally! Along with the warmer weather come kids who are aching to get out and play. Unfortunately, that increase in your kid’s activity can also mean an increase in injuries to their feet.

Types of injuries

Kids are susceptible to the same kinds of injuries to their feet and ankles as adults are, such as

• stress fractures in bones – sometimes called fatigue fractures since they’re often caused by overuse
• heel pain – also known as plantar fasciitis
• broken bones – when a fracture goes all the way through a bone
• tendonitis – inflammation of one of the many tendons in the foot.

There are also specific foot issues that afflict children in particular. These include

• Sever’s disease – an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel of the foot
• Freiberg’s disease – a joint problem that causes pain or stiffness in the forefoot
• Intoeing and out-toeing – children whose feet point inward or outward may have difficulty walking or wearing shoes
• Flat feet – when the foot has little or no arch

Preventing injuries

Injuries in a child’s foot that are due to repetitive motion or overuse can be avoided with proper stretching before and after exercise, and with a building up strength by gradually increasing the number of miles run or the number of hours at team practice.

We also recommend using equipment (balls, rackets, sticks) that’s up-to-date and in good condition in order to keep your child safe from injury.

Be alert for problems

Active children want to stay that way, so they may not be forthcoming about pain in their feet. As a parent, you should be on the lookout for signs that your child is in pain – limping, awkward gait, and avoidance of activity are some of the signs that something’s going on.

In that case, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with one of our two expert podiatrists at Montgomery Foot Care Specialists, Dr. Chanda L. Day-Houts and Dr. Heidi M. Christie. We can get to the bottom of your child’s foot pain, recommend the proper treatment, and get him or her back on the field or court as soon as possible. Give us a call at (334) 396-3668 or contact us online.