Many adults complain of plantar fasciitis, which is a painful condition caused by inflammation of the band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes. This can also be found in children, especially those who participate in sports that involve a lot of running and jumping. Dancers, runners, and basketball players may be more susceptible because the plantar fascia absorbs the pounding of every impact with the floor or ground. This results in pain at the bottom of the heel, typically a result of repetitive use. The pain generally worsens after activity and increases as the day goes on. The heel may be particularly painful in the morning but may lessen after stretching or walking. Plantar fasciitis can become worse from being overweight, wearing footwear that does not provide enough cushioning, tight calf muscles, high arches, and flat feet. If your child complains of heel pain on a consistent basis, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist to see if plantar fasciitis may be causing the problem.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Steven Shlonsky of Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Shlonsky can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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