3 Ways Obesity Hurts Kids’ Feet
September is National Childhood Obesity Month, so we want to talk about how carrying extra weight contribute to kids’ foot and ankle pain.
Currently, close to 16% of American kids are overweight. Now, for children, exercise is the healthiest way to lose excess weight. But if children experience foot and ankle pain, exercise will be difficult. For that reason, treating children’s foot pain may be an important part of the weight loss process. Here’s how obesity can change kids’ feet, and how our Westfield, IN podiatrist can help!
Structural changes
When children are overweight, the extra pressure can flatten out their feet. If that happens, the plantar fascia (connective tissue that runs from your heels to your toes) gets stretched and inflamed. Then, your child may complain of heel pain, especially right after getting out of bed in the morning.Bone problems
Sever’s disease is a painful condition that affects still-growing children. Basically, the growth plate in your child’s heel develops inflammation because of stress and strain to the surrounding muscles. Common in young athletes, obesity also increases your child’s risk for Sever’s disease. And that’s because extra weight puts more pressure on that delicate growth plate.
Sadly, that’s not the only bone concern facing overweight children. Stress fractures are also more likely for these children, since even walking puts extra pressure on their still-developing bones.
Chronic pain
In addition to help pain, obesity can leave children facing arch pain, as well as pain in the calf muscle (Achilles tendinitis.) Also, with flat feet and extra pressure on them, children who are overweight face higher risks of hammertoes and bunions.
Treating Children’s Foot Pain
If your child is living with foot pain, there are many ways we can offer pain relief, regardless of his or her weight. Sometimes, orthotics can help support children’s feet. Often, that relieves foot and heel pain without further intervention.
Once kids’ feet feel better, getting and staying active should be easier. And getting to a healthy weight can begin with fun, play and sports. Want your child to walk comfortably and stay healthy? Don’t ignore foot pain. Make an appointment in our office the first time he or she complains of discomfort.