Children may not be in a position to openly communicate clearly about the foot and leg pains they may be experiencing. Often avoidance of activity and a generalised pattern of crying is all parents have to go on. Therefore, it is up to parents to look out for the following signs of foot and leg pain in children.
1. Reduced interest in activities involving walking or running
One sign of foot and leg pains is when a child who is known for his/her love for high-intensity sports suddenly becomes inactive. Check if they are shying away from activities such as sports that require them to stand, walk or run for long periods. If your child starts to forego their favourite sport then perhaps it’s time to see a children’s podiatrist.
2. Awkward movement
If your child suddenly walks unusually, falls more frequent than usual, or shows poor coordination in movement, consider seeking a children’s podiatrist to assess for things that may be causing foot or leg pains. Often, a simple exercise plan may be all that’s needed.
3. Constant complaints
If your child is constantly holding or rubbing an area on there feet or legs or often starts to indicate these areas continually hurt then there might be an underlying issue that requires a children’s podiatrist. Don’t take lightly complaints regarding pain in the legs, heels, ankles, or sole of the foot.
4. Your child is always lagging behind
As your children play, you might notice them having trouble keeping up with their friends and other children. Usually, feet and legs might tire if some parts are not working as they should or there is a structural deformity. Consult with a podiatrist to ascertain that your child’s shortcomings in the playground aren’t resulting from foot and leg pains.
If you should notice anything unusual about your child’s movements, go with your instincts and seek a podiatrist’s help. Prevention is better than cure and you might snub something that might affect their comfort and development in the long term.
