Now Is the Time For a Back-to-School Foot Health Exam

Key Takeaways:

Most foot and heel pain responds well to early, conservative care, so the sooner it's evaluated, the less likely it is to sideline your child. As a family-owned Roseburg practice for more than 25 years, Wilks Advanced Foot Care provides dedicated care to young patients.

From crowded hallways to after-school sports, a new school year keeps young feet constantly on the move. A complaint that seemed minor over the lazy days of summer can quickly turn into a limp, a skipped practice, or a missed day of school. The tricky part for parents is often knowing when a sore foot is a temporary issue and when it's time to have a professional examination. Here's what you should know.

What Are Common Back-to-School Foot Problems for Kids and Teens?

Back-to-school activities and fall sports create a unique combination of challenges for children’s feet.

As a father and pediatric foot health specialist, Dr. Jason Wilks understands the importance of treating problems early so a nagging ache doesn't become a greater problem.

Heel Pain From Sports

Active kids frequently develop heel pain from Sever's disease, an irritation of the growth plate at the back of the heel that flares during growth spurts and repetitive running or jumping. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons notes that it is one of the most common causes of heel pain in children ages 8–15. It typically calms down with rest, stretching, and the right footwear or support.

Ingrown Toenails

Tight cleats and rounded-off nail trimming push nail edges into the skin, and for some kids, this problem keeps returning. When it does, Onyfix is a painless, non-surgical approach to retrain the nail.

Flat Feet and Alignment Issues

In-toeing, out-toeing, and flat feet can throw off a child's balance, tire them out quickly, and affect posture. In many cases, custom orthotics support the arch and gently correct alignment so they move comfortably again.

Warts and Skin Concerns

Locker rooms, pool decks, and shared showers are prime territory for plantar warts and other skin and nail issues. These problems are easy to miss unless your child mentions their discomfort.

When Should You Take Your Child to a Podiatrist for Foot or Heel Pain?

There are a few key symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored. Schedule a back-to-school checkup if:  

• Pain lasts more than a few days.
• It comes back every time your child is active.
• Your child complains about their shoes hurting.
• It changes the way they walk.
• Is accompanied by swelling, redness, or a toenail that’s burrowed into the skin. 

Sometimes kids don't know how to express what's wrong. Our thorough evaluation will tell you exactly what's going on and how simply it can be fixed.