With the school holidays approaching, now is the ideal time to address any of these issues and ensure your child’s feet are healthy and ready for the new term.
Common Foot Issues in Children
Children’s feet are still developing, which makes them more susceptible to certain foot conditions. If left untreated, these problems can lead to long-term discomfort or even affect your child's ability to be active. Here’s a closer look at the most common foot problems children face and how we can help at Callen Olive Podiatry Clinic:
1. Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing discomfort, redness, and swelling. In more severe cases, it can lead to infection, which is both painful and disruptive to your child’s daily activities. Ingrown toenails are particularly common in children due to a range of factors, including improper nail cutting techniques, wearing shoes that are too tight, or sports injuries.
Signs to watch out for include your child complaining about tenderness around the toenail, difficulty walking, or visible swelling and redness. At Callen Olive, we offer prompt and professional treatment for ingrown toenails, including minor procedures to remove the offending part of the nail and reduce the risk of recurrence. It’s important to address the issue early before it becomes a long-term problem that affects your child's mobility.
2. Verrucas (Plantar Warts)
Verrucas are a common foot issue in children, particularly those who frequently walk barefoot in communal areas like swimming pools, changing rooms, or sports halls. Verrucas are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and appear as small, rough growths on the soles of the feet. These can be particularly painful when pressure is applied, such as when walking or running.
Many parents assume verrucas will disappear on their own, but some cases can be persistent and even spread to other areas of the foot. At Callen Olive, we use advanced treatments such as Swift microwave therapy, which targets the root of the verruca and promotes the body’s natural healing response. This highly effective treatment is safe for children and helps to remove stubborn verrucas quickly.
3. General Foot Pain
Foot pain in children can arise from a variety of issues, including biomechanical problems such as flat feet or high arches, overuse from sports and activities, or growing pains. Children who complain of foot pain may be experiencing discomfort while walking, running, or participating in physical activities, which can affect their overall wellbeing and development.
It’s crucial not to ignore foot pain in children, as it can sometimes signal underlying structural issues. At Callen Olive, our team of podiatrists will conduct a thorough assessment of your child’s feet, checking for any abnormalities, gait issues, or pressure points. From there, we will provide a tailored treatment plan, which may include orthotics (custom insoles), footwear advice, or exercises to strengthen the feet and improve comfort.
Why It’s Important to Address Foot Problems Early
Children are active by nature, whether it’s running around the playground, playing sports, or simply keeping up with their friends. Foot problems, if left untreated, can cause long-term discomfort and may even prevent your child from fully enjoying these activities. For example, untreated ingrown toenails can lead to recurring infections, and persistent verrucas can cause pain and spread to other areas of the foot. Early intervention is key to preventing these conditions from worsening and ensuring your child can continue to be active without pain or discomfort.
Moreover, addressing these problems during the school holidays is especially convenient. Not only does it allow your child time to recover before returning to school, but it also avoids the risk of their foot issues interfering with physical education classes, sports, or other after-school activities. By tackling foot problems now, you can ensure your child returns to school healthy and ready to take on new challenges.
How Callen Olive Podiatry Clinic Can Help
At Callen Olive Podiatry Clinic, we are committed to providing expert foot care for children and adults alike. Our team of highly experienced podiatrists understands the unique challenges of treating children's feet and provides gentle, effective care tailored to their specific needs. Whether your child is dealing with ingrown toenails, verrucas, or general foot pain, we offer a range of solutions to address the issue and prevent it from recurring.
We use the latest technology and treatments to ensure the best possible outcomes for your child. For example, our Swift microwave therapy for verrucas is a cutting-edge solution that has proven effective in eliminating persistent plantar warts with minimal discomfort. Additionally, we offer expert ingrown toenail treatments that can quickly alleviate pain and prevent future complications. Our comprehensive approach means that we not only treat the immediate issue but also provide long-term advice on how to maintain healthy feet.
When to Book an Appointment
If your child has been complaining of foot pain, or if you’ve noticed any problems such as ingrown toenails or verrucas, it’s important to seek professional help sooner rather than later. Addressing these issues early will prevent them from worsening and ensure your child can enjoy their school holidays without discomfort. The team at Callen Olive Podiatry Clinic is here to help, offering flexible appointment times to suit your schedule.
Don’t wait until the last minute – with the school holidays just around the corner, now is the ideal time to book an appointment and get those little feet checked out. Our friendly and experienced podiatrists will assess your child’s feet, provide expert treatment, and give you peace of mind knowing they are in good hands.
Contact Us
To schedule an appointment or to find out more about how we can help with your child’s foot care, please get in touch with us at Callen Olive Podiatry Clinic. Our team is dedicated to ensuring your child’s feet stay healthy and pain-free, giving them the freedom to move confidently into the new school term.
