When you think about taking care of your child, you may not be thinking about taking care of your child’s feet. The truth is, foot health for children is important, especially if you want your child to stay active. Your podiatrist can help.
What You Need To Know About Foot Health for Children
Taking care of your child’s feet doesn’t have to be difficult. Just follow a few simple tips like these:
- Make sure your child washes their feet daily
- Examine your child’s feet for injuries
- Apply antibiotic cream and bandages if necessary
- Make sure your child wears protective shoes, appropriate for the activity your child is doing
- Avoid letting your child go barefoot
No matter how careful you and your child are about foot health, there are some common foot and toe conditions children develop. Some of the most common problems are:
- Plantar warts
- Fungal infections
- Flat feet
- Gait issues
Let’s take a closer look at each of these foot conditions:
Plantar warts are caused by exposure to the papillomavirus. Plantar warts can grow between the toes, the top of the feet, and the soles of the feet. Pediatric podiatry treatments for warts include freezing the wart, laser therapy to kill the underlying virus and other treatments.
Fungal infections are caused by exposure to a fungus. Pediatric podiatry treatments include hydrocortisone, antihistamines, and other treatments to relieve itching. Antifungal medications are a common treatment for fungal infections.
Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, can be a painful and difficult problem for your child. Common pediatric podiatry treatments include orthotics to help cushion and support your child’s feet.
Gait issues can develop due to balance problems, incomplete skeletal growth, and other factors. Pediatric podiatry treatments include orthotics to help correct alignment and gait problems.
Want To Know More?
Your child is special, and you want your child to have the best medical care. For the feet, that means visiting a pediatric podiatrist. To find out more about foot health for children, talk with an expert. Call your pediatric podiatrist today.