Children can exhibit all the foot problems we adults have, including a few extra ones associated with growing pains

Children can suffer with all the issues we get such as ingrown toenails, warts, heel pain and many more. Most children are fairly active so it’s important to pay attention to any foot issues that may be slowing them down.

Common Foot problems

• Ingrown toenails: Children and teenagers, especially, are prone to ingrown toenails as they go through growth spurts which means their shoes end up tight around their toes. Some even have a habit of picking their nails which aggravates the problem.

• Plantar warts: Children tend to be at higher risk of warts compared to adults possibly due to the fact that their immune systems aren’t fully developed yet. Most warts tend to go away on its own in children.

• Flat feet: It is normal for toddlers to have flat feet. Over time they gradually straighten out into adult feet around the age of 10. However if your child is complaining of pain or extra clumsy, best to seek help.

• Severs disease: Pain at the back of the heel usually in active children/early adolescents. It is inflammation of the growth plate from excessive forces. Treatment is usually conservative until the child completes growing.