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When Should I Worry About My Child's Foot Pain?
By NAPS,
North American Precis Syndicate
. New York
,
NY
.
Photo:
NAPS
Dr. Robert Joseph, DPM, Ph.D., FACFAS (NAPS) |
by Robert Joseph, DPM, Ph.D., FACFAS
(NAPSI)—When a child experiences leg pain, parents might not consider
the foot as the source, even though some foot disorders can also cause
symptoms in the leg. When it comes to foot-related problems, early
intervention by an expert is key to proper treatment.
Flatfeet, a general term for the appearance of a foot without a
well-developed "arch," is common in children. While most children
with flatfeet have no symptoms, others may exhibit cramping, pain or
tenderness in the foot, lower leg or knee; limping or an aversion to athletic
activities; and walking because their feet and legs "get tired."
Foot and ankle surgeons can help determine if the pain is related to
flatfeet.
When children have these symptoms, parents may think it's temporary
"growing pains," without realizing it could be a foot-related
problem. A foot and ankle surgeon will conduct a physical examination to
assess the structure and function of the feet and may use imaging studies,
such as X-ray or MRI, for a more comprehensive understanding of the specific
foot structure.
Children with flatfeet may not have pain or limitation of activity; others
experience symptoms related to structural abnormalities of the foot that can
be difficult to diagnose. Appropriate care includes orthotic supports or
possibly surgery, depending on the condition and its severity. Early
evaluation and intervention are the best measures for determining whether
treatment is necessary for a quick recovery and return to normal activity.
For more information or to find a foot and ankle surgeon near you, visit
FootHealthFacts.org, the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons' patient
education website.
• Robert Joseph, DPM, Ph.D.,
FACFAS, is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon from Illinois and Fellow
Member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
 “When a child has foot-related problems, early intervention by an
expert can be key to proper treatment, says Robert Joseph, DPM, Ph.D.,
FACFAS, board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and Fellow Member of the American
College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. http://bit.ly/2z1rDQH”
On the Net:North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.(NAPSI)
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