The school holidays are the perfect time to get children’s foot and leg concerns checked.
The Foot and Leg Pain Clinics suggest there are common observations and issues related to children’s feet and legs that parents are often concerned about.
Musculoskeletal Podiatrist Dr David Kavanagh from Foot and Leg Pain Clinics in Geelong clarified some of these concerns, the first being ‘flat feet.’
“Contrary to popular belief the appearance of flat feet in children, is not usually cause for concern,” Dr Kavanagh said.
“However, if there is associated pain, balance issues or excessive rolling inward of the ankles, parents should seek professional assistance.”
Dr Kavanagh also addressed ‘pigeon and out toes.’
“The appearance of in-toeing (‘pigeon toed’) or out-toeing (‘duck feet’), can affect the capacity of a child to run, jump and balance well. These issues may be assisted during a child’s developmental years and should be checked,” he said.
Dr Kavanagh also suggested that growing pains are very common and are often due to overstrain of the growth plates of growing bones.
“The exact nature of the pain should be determined as soon as possible, so should be checked by a musculoskeletal podiatrist,” he said.
In relation to shin pain (medial tibial stress syndrome, anterior leg pain and compartment syndrome), Dr Kavanagh recommended that these issues should always be checked.
“If your child regularly complains of foot or leg pain, has balance or mobility issues you should get it checked by a podiatrist experienced in treating musculoskeletal issues,” Dr Kavanagh said.
“The good news is, with proper diagnosis and correct treatment most issues can be addressed quite easily.”
For appointments at the Foot and Leg Pain Clinics in Geelong, call 1300 328 300. Mention this article for $50 off initial consultations.
