Pain is a somewhat common presentation in children from early teething pain and immunisation discomfort; to bumps and grazes as children get faster and more adventurous as they grow. As a paediatric podiatrist we see children who are experiencing foot pain for a number of different reasons. Parents will often bring children in, especially school aged children, who are starting to mention foot pain during and after school or sports. Arch pain and heel pain would be some of the more regular presentations, with children often describing aching or sharp pain in these areas when they are running around at recess and lunch or during their chosen sports. As parents you will often hear quite sporadic complaints that you brush off as nothing too much in the first instance, but then the complaints become more regular until you are hearing about them most days. As a paediatric podiatrist we will take a thorough history and examination to diagnose the origin of the pain and apply the most evidenced based and appropriate treatment method.

Other instances of foot pain in children can be due to two very common presentations; ingrown toenails and warts. We would have a handful of both of these complaints coming into the clinic every week. Ingrown toenails are definitely worth getting on top of before they become too inflamed and infected. Whilst they look like a small problem, for anyone who has ever had one, they are hideously painful, more so if they are infected. For most people, even just the thought of someone looking at their ingrown toenail has them sweating with anxiety. An ingrown toenail is absolutely worth showing to your podiatrist, for which there are a number of different treatment and management options that can be offered.

The humble old plantar wart is the result of a virus that children in particular love to share with their peers. We always have a rush of warts into the clinic after the summer school swimming programs when children have been sharing change rooms. The treatment for a plantar wart is actually quite simple and very rarely painful. Your podiatrist is able to help treat plantar warts easily within their clinic with a range of different options.

Whilst these are only three of the more common reasons that your child may be experiencing foot pain, there are a multitude of other conditions and reasons for visiting a credentialed paediatric podiatrist. If you are unsure about whether your child needs to see a paediatric podiatrist or if you are looking to have your child’s feet assessed, then a credentialed paediatric podiatrist is expertly placed to look after your child’s feet.

The Podiatry Place @ Henley
Shop 4 / 337 Military Rd Henley Beach; Phone: 8356 0071
www.thepodiatryplacehenley.com.au
Instagram | Facebook.

You might also be interested in

  • Growing Pains were a big part of my early teenage years. I suffered from aching legs most nights from age 10-12, and my mum used to help me massage my legs to try to ease the ache. I played loads and loads of sport and we were always outside running around so I was always confused as to whether they were growing pains or just tired muscles. As I got older, I realised that tired muscles feel very different to growing pains! This article is a great read, and something I'll definitely keep in mind for when my two girls are older. Thank you to physiotherapist Jen from Smart Health Training and Services for her detailed article. Read on to find out all about growing pains and how you can help treat them.... Growing Pains As a Mum and a Physiotherapist, I hear of children, especially young teenagers complain of growing pains. But what are they? Is it really a pain or is it just in their heads?  I often get asked this question so thought I’d give my view on the topic. As we go through puberty and growth spurts, our body lays down bone cells at a faster…

  • The upcoming May 17-27 will mark the return of DreamBIG 2023, which holds the distinction of being the world's longest-running festival for children. The newly launched family program is centred around the theme of 'Our World' and offers over 50 shows, activities, and exhibitions for audiences ranging from infants to teenagers over the course of 10 days. The festival will take place at the Adelaide Festival Centre. The family program of DreamBIG 2023 boasts an array of exciting attractions, including giant, lifelike dinosaurs, interactive light installations, and thought-provoking theatre performances, among others. Audiences can also look forward to eight world premieres, one Australian premiere, and seven Adelaide premieres. As part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Adelaide Festival Centre, the festival will present the BIGGEST BIG Family Weekend from May 20-21, spanning across the Adelaide Festival Centre and Festival Plaza. This event will offer a variety of free activities, workshops, exhibitions, markets, and performances for children of all ages. The festival will also feature food trucks provided by Fork in the Road and culminate in the Big Family Weekend Gala, a variety show that showcases some of the most talented young performers from South Australia. Embark on a creative…

  • Core Physiotherapy & Pilates Studio have over 80 highly skilled Physiotherapists working in their 12 locations across metro Adelaide, and are celebrating 30 years of service in 2023! Proudly owned and operated by South Australian physiotherapists, Core Physio aims to provide the highest quality physiotherapy care with their extensive range of services. While Core Physio’s clients come from all walks of life, they have a large focus on children and mothers with their paediatric and women’s health physiotherapy services. Paediatric physio aims to assist children at all stages of growth who may encounter obstacles to their health and advancement. This involves thorough assessment, diagnosis, and the development of a clear strategy forward. All Core Physio locations are also registered NDIS providers. On the other hand, Core’s trained Women’s Health physiotherapists use techniques to manage women’s pelvic health and incontinence issues, as well as pre and postnatal treatment for women who experience symptoms whilst pregnant or after the birth of their child. Another huge part of Core Physio’s service is their Pilates program, known as PhysioEx. Available in both individual and group sessions, PhysioEx is beneficial for a wide range of people and conditions. Run by Core’s physiotherapists, each program is…