Sending your kids back to class means dealing with sudden growth spurts, locker room germs, and sports injuries. At the Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland, we see a surge of these problems every autumn, so we’re quite familiar with how to handle them…and prevent them!
Knowing exactly when to try a home remedy and when to call a podiatrist will save you time and keep your child pain-free. Our team elaborates in the blog below.
What You Can Safely Manage at Home
Not everything requires a visit with your podiatrist! The following can be handled (with a little forethought) in DIY fashion.
Back to School Shoe Shopping
Kids grow fast. Squeezing them into last year’s sneakers leads to blisters and ingrown toenails.
- Always buy shoes at the end of the day when feet are most swollen, and never rely on hand-me-downs since footwear molds to the original owner.
- For a deeper dive into finding the perfect fit, review essential lessons for back-to-school shoe shopping success, and our do’s and don’ts of back-to-school shoe shopping.
Preventing Locker Room Fungus
Communal showers and sweaty cleats are breeding grounds for athlete’s foot.
- You can manage early signs of peeling or itching with OTC antifungal creams.
- Teach your athletes to dry thoroughly between their toes and rotate their athletic shoes daily so the material dries out completely.
When to Skip the Drugstore and See a Podiatrist
Sometimes it’s better to go straight to a foot and ankle expert; in fact, failure to do so might mean more complications down the road. Don’t handle the following problems alone!
Treating Stubborn Plantar Warts
If you spot a hard bump with tiny black dots on the bottom of your child’s foot, do not reach for drugstore freezing kits or acid patches!
- These pharmacy treatments often burn healthy skin and fail to reach the root of the virus.
- A podiatrist can safely and painlessly remove warts using targeted medical treatments!
Evaluating Gait and Biomechanics
Many toddlers walk with their toes pointing inward or outward, which is usually normal early on. However, if your older child is constantly tripping, walking on their toes, or complaining of tired legs, it is time for a professional biomechanical evaluation.
- If you are unsure when to worry about your child’s flat feet, persistent pain or unwillingness to play are your biggest red flags.
Addressing Sports Injuries and Heel Pain
Never encourage your child to play through foot pain.
- If they limp after soccer practice or complain of aching heels, they might be dealing with Sever’s disease or a stress fracture.
- Podiatrists provide custom orthotics and targeted physical therapy to heal the injury.
- Always keep an eye out for these 3 kinds of pediatric foot problems as the school year progresses and athletic seasons intensify!
Building a Foundation for Healthy Development
Establishing good habits early prevents serious structural issues later in life.
Whether you are dealing with a newborn or a high school athlete, learning about infant and children’s foot care ensures your child grows up strong and active. Call today to schedule a back-to-school checkup!
If you’re experiencing ongoing foot issues, call Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland in Solon, Ohio, at (440) 903-1041 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. Dr. Craig B. Frey, Dr. Jim Swienconek, and Dr. Courtney Yoder treat patients in Portage, Geauga, Cuyahoga, and Summit Counties, proudly serving Solon, Aurora, Bedford, Chagrin Falls, Hudson, Macedonia, and Twinsburg.