September 2020

Heel pain is fairly common in children and can have a variety of causes. Most pediatric heel pain is due to injury, and it is typically not serious. Three frequent causes of heel pain are Sever’s disease, Achilles tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis. Sever’s disease, an overuse injury that affects the growth plate of the heel bone, is the most common cause of heel pain in children between the ages of 5 and 11 who participate in sports. Achilles tendinitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon in the back of the lower leg and can cause pain, swelling, warmth, and difficulty walking. Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury that affects the plantar fascia ligament along the bottom of the foot. If your child complains of heel pain, it is recommended that you take them to a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat their condition.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Abeer M. Foteh, DPM of Greater Houston Foot Centers. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Baytown, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

When frequent foot stretches are performed, the overall health of the body may be positively affected. The feet are considered to be the foundation of the body, and research has shown the importance of performing simple foot exercises. An effective calf stretch consists of standing against a wall, while pointing the foot up, and leaning into the stretch. This position can be held for several seconds, and then repeated on the other foot. The plantar fascia is located on the bottom of the foot, and connects the toes to the heel. It can be stretched while sitting down and rolling the sole of the foot on a tennis ball or similar object. If you would like additional stretching techniques for various parts of the foot, please consult with a podiatrist.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Abeer M. Foteh, DPM from Greater Houston Foot Centers. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Baytown, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.