As adults, we tend to forget that kids can suffer from some of the same medical issues we suffer with. Foot problems are not exception. It’s important not to dismiss a child’s foot pain, and it’s also important to remember that children may have a hard time articulating the issue to us. Most kids will simply say, “my foot hurts.” They may not be able to explain the pain or determine where it hurts.

Teenagers have an easier time explaining their pain and where it’s located. If this is the case, you can easily provide them with affordable shoe inserts that are suitable for any level of activity. So whether they’re into sports, or always on the go, they will always have the support they need. On MyMindInsole, you’ll find some of the top most affordable insoles.

But for younger children who may be dealing with foot pain, a podiatrist may have to get involved. A podiatrist will be able to identify and correct the issue.

It’s common for kids to have pain in the arch area, so this is a good place to start. Here are five of the most common foot problems affecting kids.

1. Flat Feet

It’s very common for children to have flat feet. Don’t assume that just because you don’t have this issue that your children won’t.

Babies are born with flat feet because the foot muscles and tissue have yet to develop. But in some cases, this formation doesn’t fully occur. When this happens, children will go through the rest of their lives with flat feet.

In most cases, no medical intervention is needed when a child has flat feet. You can continue investing in the best insoles if your child is dealing with foot pain or discomfort.

Science has yet to find a treatment, or cure, for flat feet, but orthotics can help if the issue is impacting the child’s daily activities.

2. Bunions, Corns and Calluses

Bunions aren’t all that common among children, but they can develop if the child has an issue with toe alignment. When this happens, the toe alignment will need to be corrected to alleviate bunion pain.

When pain occurs at the top of the foot, it may be a sign that the shoes are too tight. Bunions can also form if shoes are too small. Because children are constantly growing, improperly-fitting shoes can easily cause problems and is common among kids.

It’s also possible for kids to develop calluses and corns on their feet. These can be uncomfortable and cause pain at the bottom of the foot.

Here’s the good news: It’s possible to remove corns and calluses. Here’s how:

• Keeping the feet moisturized
• Specially-formulated products from the store
• Keeping the feet dry

Teaching children to take care of their feet can help them avoid corns, bunions, calluses and all of the discomfort they bring.

It’s also possible for kids to develop bunionettes, which are little bumps that develop on the little toe. Typically, all it takes to overcome the issue is to switch to a larger shoe size.

3. Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is common among teenagers, especially those who play sports. But kids can also develop this condition. Athlete’s foot doesn’t cause pain, but it can cause itchiness or burning. It can be expensive to find the right insole for this condition, but MindInsole insoles are a good place to start. No doctor appointments necessary, they are made of breathable material so no moisture will collect throughout the day, and they are trimmable to fit any shoe style and size.

Dry or scaling skin are the most common symptoms of athlete’s foot.

What you may not know is that this condition is actually a fungal infection. It’s most common among athletes – hence the name athlete’s foot.

Athlete’s foot can be more serious in children with diabetes or weakened immune systems. But in most cases, it’s not a serious condition, and it’s easily treated if you’re diligent about it.

There are several over-the-counter products that be used to treat the issue, and there are also natural remedies that you can try, such as changing your socks often or using baby powder to keep the foot dry.

4. Sprains and Fractures

Ankle and foot sprains are common among children, especially if they play sports or outdoor often. A sprain can be a setback, but children will be able to reenter sports relatively quickly after it heals.

Depending on the severity of the sprain, children may have to make lifestyle changes. Some kids may have to stay off of their feet for a month or longer.

Minor sprains are more common if the child doesn’t play sports.

A sprain occurs when the ligaments connected to the bone are stretched beyond their limits. Sprains normally heal without issues, but some children may wind up with development issues.

A severe sprain can impact development and cause growth plate fractures in some cases.

It’s best for kids to avoid the activity that caused the sprain until it’s fully healed. Resting and limiting activity can help alleviate the pain. Parents should monitor the injury and follow the doctor’s recommendations for treatment.

Along with sprains, many kids suffer with ankle fractures. This condition will require the use of a cast to keep the ankle in proper alignment as it heals.

5. Foot Alignment and Gait

It’s not uncommon for kids to have issues with foot alignment and their gait. A child’s gait, or the way they walk, may not seem like a big deal right now, but improper gait can lead to issues later on in life.

Improper gait can put excess strain on the feet and ankles.

A podiatrist can analyze a child’s foot, gait and alignment. It’s important to see a podiatrist if your child has prolonged, unexplained foot pain.

Common gait and alignment issues among children include:

• Overpronation: A condition that occurs when the child’s foot rolls too far inward. One way to tell if your child is suffering from this condition is to check her shoes. If the inner portion of her shoes are wearing out prematurely, then she may have overpronation. Insoles will correct the issue, or you can have custom orthotics made if the overpronation is serious.
• Toe walking: A common condition among children aged 2-3, but it can also occur in older children. This occurs when children walk on their toes, rather than using the natural heel-to-toe movement. Eventually, toe walking can lead to ankle, foot and toe pain. Physical therapy may be needed to help the child relearn how to walk properly.

These are some of the most common foot issues in children, but your child may also be suffering with some of the same foot pain you deal with if they are on their feet all day. Don’t ignore your child’s foot pain. See a podiatrist or invest in a good pair of insoles to resolve the issue.

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